Crystal Clear Pools

Crystal Clear Pools is an Award-Winning Marin Pool Maintenance and Repair Company.

Crystal Clear Pools is a pool maintenance and cleaning services in Marin County serving in condominium HOA’s, commercial properties and residential customers. Staffed with highly experienced, hardworking and personable pool maintenance technicians.

Crystal Clear Pools is owned by Steve Bornstein, a Cal Berkeley sociology graduate. Drawn to the business by the opportunity to work outdoors and enjoy ongoing relationships with repeat customers. Knowledgeable about the latest technological improvements in the pool maintenance industry and can advise and install the best choice for each customer.

For more information visit their website.

TO ALL MARIN COUNTY CIVIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS:

POST YOUR EVENT ON MyEarthDayMarin.org

Hosting an Earth Day Service Project!

Time for Earth Day 2014!

The My Earth Day Marin Coalition would like to invite you to:

Host a Service Project and announce it on the My Earth Day Marin website!

If your organization is planning to conduct a service project (e.g. litter pickup, creek cleanup, trail rebuilding, broom removal, planting natives), posting your project on this FREE website will make you part of a larger county-wide effort

To be recognized in this County-wide effort, here is what you need to do:

1) Click here and fill out the form completely.

2) When you have completed your service project, please let us know how many volunteers showed up at your site and how many bags of trash or recyclables you collected.
You can do this by simply contacting the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership at Tel 415 448-0333 or emailing volunteermarin@cvnl.org .

The My Earth Day Marin Coalition encourages Marin County groups to get involved and be of service.  By posting your project on this free website, you will increase the visibility of your project and potentially add new volunteers for your organization!

EcoLogic Landscaping provides ecological Landscape Architecture, Construction, and Maintenance Services for Marin and surrounding counties.

EcoLogic Landscaping provides Landscape Architecture, Construction, and Maintenance Services for Marin and surrounding counties.

 

With over 14 years in sustainable landscaping in Marin County and the San Francisco Bay Area, Ecologic Landscaping has the knowledge and expertise to create your garden from concept to completion. 

 

Whether renovating an existing landscape or creating a new garden, the company is committed to excellence that show in every detail. 

 

Ecologic Landscaping primary goal is to facilitate a dynamic, meaningful relationship between people and the land. They create gardens that are not only beautiful, but also provide an abundance of fresh food. Lets not forget the use of all-organic materials and highly efficient low water use irrigation systems.

About Ecologic Landscaping                        

 

Leith Carstarphen is the landscape designer and project supervisor for Ecologic Landscaping. He holds degrees in Landscape Architecture and Horticulture. Leith has been working in the San Francisco Bay Area in the field of landscape architecture, construction, and maintenance since 1994. He regularly leads workshops and classes on sustainability issues and has a passionate commitment to edible and useful plants, and is an avid home gardener.

Quality, Commitment, Service

With more than a decade of experienced in landscaping, EcoLogic Landscaping has mastered the knowledge and expertise in creating a garden from concept to completion.

 

The crews have extensive skills in constructing gardens of exquisite craftsmanship and lasting beauty, using sustainable and organic materials and methods.

 

The services include all facets of landscape construction: patios and pathways, rock walls and retaining walls, waterfalls and fountains, decks, arbors, fences, drainage systems, irrigation and dramatic lighting.

Sustainability

 

Ecologic Landscaping believes that the best gardens grow naturally.  Using only the finest organic fertilizers to help your landscape grow and mature. They never use harsh pesticides or herbicides but instead rely on non-toxic alternatives that are safe for your family and pets. They support thriving ecosystems, and pests are controlled naturally, by beneficial insects such as ladybugs. Flowering plants will attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and songbirds to your yard. They also create thriving ecosystems for all the microclimates of Northern California, whether shady or arid, and we strategically design landscaping to optimize growth and conserve water.

Edible Gardens

 

Ecologic Landscaping creates gardens that are not only beautiful, but also provide an abundance of fresh food. Imagine strolling through your garden with your children and harvesting perfectly ripe berries, vegetables, and culinary herbs. Landscape Services:

Architecture - Creative landscape designs are the specialty of EcoLogic Landscaping

 

Stonework - Custom stonework improves the lay of the land while adding a timeless quality to any garden

 

Carpentry / Gates - Wood helps define the boundaries of the garden, while providing structure and shade

 

Gates - Gates create a definition of spaces.  They create a separation of private from public space

 

Planting - Plants are what bring gardens to life! Plants attract hummingbirds and butterflies

Tree Care - Provides care for trees of all ages to treat diseases such as 'Sudden Oak Death'

Outdoor Kitchen - Increase the usability of your garden, and take advantage of California's mild climate with an outdoor kitchen

 

Waterfalls - Water in the garden soothes the spirit and completes the garden experience.

 

For more information about green landscape architecture services call Ecologic Landscaping at 415-454-8903. 

Nonprofit Charity, Fiscal Sponsor and Incubator, MarinLink serves Marin County and the San Francisco Bay Area

Who is MarinLink? A San Rafael based organization providing fiscal sponsorship to individuals and groups in Marin County and the San Francisco Bay Area. An Incubator for community based projects.

MarinLink is Marin County's Community resource. For over a decade MarinLink has helped community-minded people realize their dreams.

About MarinLink

MarinLink finds and fills community needs by connecting resources, ideas, and expertise.
MarinLink helps community-minded people realize their dreams, serving as an incubator, fiscal sponsor, and multi-faceted resource for real solutions:

Homeless services,

Community gardens,

Environmental education projects,

Veterans programs,

Health and transportation initiatives.

Marin Link Projects

There are dozens of nonprofits projects that have benefited from working with MarinLink.
Connecting people to resources and expertise, MarinLink identifies and fulfills unmet community needs, strengthening Marin with nimble, solution-based innovation, and collaboration.

Sample Projects:

Warm Wishes distributes 5000 “StreetPacks” filled with new warm globes, scarves, hat6s, wool socks, and rain ponchos to homeless men and women throughout the Bay Area every winter. 

GetMoneySmart.Info provides a comprehensive resource for financial education, trainings, and counseling in Marin.

Earth Day Marin is a family-oriented, environmentally centered annual celebration at Marin Civic Center.

Marin Trolleys is working for a demonstration line providing connectivity from SMART to Fairfax. The vision is for six lines connecting Marin’s cities and linking to regional transit. Marin Trolleys is rooted in “Back to the Future.” Marin County was established along rail lines, making Marin unique in that 70% of urban Marin is still within ½ mile of an original rail right-of way.   Most of the original rail routes in Marin still exist. www.marintrolleys.org

Stroke Directory – The Marin County Stroke Directory — Resources that may save your life or someone you love.

Fiscal Sponsorship Program and Projects
Through its Fiscal Sponsorship Program, MarinLink assists individuals and community organizations engaged in projects consistent with its mission by providing administrative support and tax-exempt status.

For more information about MarinLink and their fiscal sponsorship program visit, http://marinlink.org or call (415) 472-0211.

Renaissance Marin is a nonprofit small business development center assisting Marin County small business

Renaissance Marin opened their offices in San Rafael in 2012. Renaissance Marin is a project of Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center dedicated to starting & growing local small businesses.

Mission

The mission of Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center is to empower and increase the entrepreneurial capacities of socially and economically diverse women and men, and thereby strengthen our communities through the creation of sustainable new businesses, new jobs, and the promotion of financial self-sufficiency.

Launched in partnership with the Marin Community Foundation, Renaissance Marin provides critical access to training, resources and support services designed to help aspiring and established entrepreneurs achieve their dreams of small business success and financial independence.

Whether you are a retailer, designer, manufacturer, contractor or bookkeeper — in the startup or expansion phase — Renaissance Marin will provide you with the training, tools, resources and networks needed to create your own thriving business.

Located at 1115 Third Street in San Rafael, Renaissance Marin provides office space in our small business incubator as well as drop in co-working space.

Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center

Launched in 1985, Renaissance has served tens of thousands of clients in a wide range of industries – from food, fashion and graphic design to education, technology and healthcare.

We offer small business training and resources at four locations:

Renaissance SoMa, San Francisco (headquarters)

Renaissance Bayview, San Francisco

Renaissance Mid-Peninsula, East Palo Alto

Renaissance Marin, San Rafael

SERVICES:

Classes & Workshops

Renaissance’s intensive business planning and introductory business classes will assist business owners in developing the marketing, finance, operations and management skills needed to write a comprehensive business plan and put you on your path to entrepreneurial success.

Advanced classes and workshops will hone your business skills. Both classes and workshops will give the opportunity to learn from successful small business owners, industry experts, graduates and your peers.

Business Incubator

Business Incubator provides both emerging and established small business owners with a vibrant and supportive community of peers and professionals.

They offer low cost office space, professional consultations tailored to business’ needs, conference rooms and building services to support the daily operations and growth.

Renaissance Marin’s building hosts 11 small businesses in a professional and supportive entrepreneurial community designed to help businesses grow and prosper.

Tenants benefit from a full menu of amenities and services.

Consulting

At Renaissance Marin you will meet other business owners and industry experts who will guide, support and inspire entrepreneur in achieving their business goals.

Commercial Kitchen

Open Workspace

The Open Work Space is a collaborative community of entrepreneurs and those seeking a cross pollination of ideas to improve their concepts whether for business startups, community projects or personal development.

 

For more information about classes and business opportunity visit http://rencentermarin.org or call (415) 348-6300.

 

 

CERT Advanced Training: October 13th - Refresher & Exercise - FREE‏

Are you CERT CERTified?

CERT is the Community Emergency Response Team. It consists of volunteers who assist the Fire Department and Emergency Response professionals in case of any major disasters. We encourage all our readers to take a CERT class and BE PREPARED!

If you are a CERT member in Marin County then this announcement is for you:

 

One of the most consistent comments that we receive after CERT Basic Training is that students would like more hands on exercises, especially in first aid and search & rescue. 

We are pleased to invite you to our third Marin County CERT Advanced Training for 2012, which will be held Saturday, October 13th, in   San Rafael from 9 am-3 pm. Our training will be held at the old McPhail School off San Pedro Rd., a great location for a simulated disaster!

The exercise will host fire department personnel, emergency management staff and CERT volunteers, who will conduct three refresher mini-sessions in the morning and two disaster simulations in the afternoon. Participants will be able to practice and review basic skills and work as teams during the simulations.

Please check out a brief description of the day, which we've included below. Advance registration is requested so we have enough staff for our exercises. We are limiting participation to 50 so sign up today!  There is a place for everyone in CERT and in this exercise.

 

Oct. 13, 2012 

9:00 am      Check-in and welcome

9:30-10:30   Disaster Medical Operations

10:30-10:40  Break

10:40-11:25  Search & Rescue

11:30- 11:55 CERT Organization (how to work as teams)

12:00-12:30  Lunch  Bring Your Own

12:50- 3:00  Simulations 1 & 2

2:45-3:00    debriefing & thank you's; check-out

Let us know if you'd like to volunteer to help on the day of the exercise.

 

We hope to see you on October 13th!

 

For more information or to register: 

415-485-3409

coordinator@marincountycert.org

www.marincountycert.org

Connectics.org serves individuals with any diagnosed disability

Integrated Community Services (ICS) is a distinguished non-profit agency providing solutions to the critical needs of individuals with disabilities..

ICS aims to build specially designed programs that assist self-reliance and address the diverse and unique needs of this population.

We believe that people with disabilities can live rich, independent lives when provided with encouragement and practical support in the areas of employment and independent living skills.

Our executive staff has advanced degrees in the specialized field of rehabilitation counseling.

With over 30 years combined experience, our expertise has been called upon by community, County, and state government agencies.

What's New

ICS is excited to announce the grand opening of GEM (Growing Excellence in Marin), a vocational horticulture training program. GEM is structured as a three- to nine-month training program to prepare clients referred through the Department of Rehabilitation to become skilled entry-level greenhouse/nursery employees. ICS will provide job preparation, development, placement, and coaching to clients who have completed their GEM training and are deemed employment ready. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the site on Friday, July 23rd with some 70 program participants, support staff, and community members in attendance.

About Us

Our Mission is to provide a wide range of community-based services for individuals with disabilities in the areas of employment, housing, recreation, information, and referral.

Our Goal is to assist individuals to develop a greater measure of personal autonomy and control in their lives.

Our Belief is that people with disabilities can and do perform to the high standards of employers and the community and live rich, independent lives when provided with encouragement and support.

Our Motto is W.I.T., "Whatever it takes!"

About ICS

ICS works with people with all types of disabilities Regardless of sex, race, religion, national origin, or sexual preference with no age limit (although some government-funded individuals must be 18 years or older).

Who are medically stable

Who are willing and able to benefit from service.

Who possess a manageable behavior in a non-institutional environment, including no threatening behaviors towards self or others.

Who have basic self-help skills, Who are willing to work with ICS on obtaining funds for services through government and private sources

CLIENT SERVICES

ILS Independent Living Skills

Through our Independent Living Skills training program, ICS addresses daily living skills that may include money management, domestic skills training, medical and social assistance, as well as community integration. We also assist students and their families as they transition out of special education programs and into adult life.

An ILS Trainer is appointed to an individual after assessment is completed and will provide focused one-on-one training.

Under ILS services, individuals can access the Movie Club and Bowling groups that are client-run. Employment

ICS provides a special combination of human and community resources that makes rehabilitation successful. Our mission is to create specially designed programs that promote self-sufficiency and address the diverse and unique needs of the populations we serve. ICS assists individuals to land competitive jobs throughout Marin County. To ensure success, we offer vocational counseling, job development, on-the-job training, and follow-up services to both the employee and the employer.

Employment Programs: STAR

The Marin County Support and Treatment after Release program (STAR) was originally implemented through a competitive Mentally Ill Offender Crime Reduction grant (MIOCRG) awarded by the California Board of Corrections in 2000-01. STAR enrollees receive intensive treatment and services to support functioning and reduce recidivism. Some of the STAR multi-disciplinary specialists include Community Mental Health professionals, County probation, the Sheriff's Department, the San Rafael Police Department, and ICS. Our role consists of vocational/educational assessment and planning. We provide immediate vocational coordination, counseling, placement and job coaching services to enrollees. ICS also facilitates volunteer placement, educational/career planning, and service coordination of agencies such as the Department of Rehabilitation for additional vocational support.

Employment Programs: Odyssey

ICS is an integral part of Community Mental Health's Odyssey Program. This program serves individuals with mental illness who are at risk of homelessness. Odyssey offers intensive case management services addressing housing; medical and psychiatric treatment; and vocational needs. ICS focuses on employment needs by providing volunteer placement, vocational/educational counseling, job placement, and job coaching. We also coordinate services with outside agencies and assist clients with accessing Department of Rehabilitation services.

Employment Programs: Phoenix

This unique workshop was developed by ICS for enrollees of the Odyssey and STAR programs. The Phoenix has long been a symbol of rebirth and re-creation and is linked to the idea that individuals can connect who they are with meaningful work. This workshop incorporates the creative use of songs, personal stories of triumph, the Core Gift Assessment, motivational and vocational exploration exercises, and self-reflection to help individuals define a career path which suits their personal values, beliefs and vision of the future.

Information and Referral

Our staff is exceptional. The executive staff has advanced degrees in the specialized field of rehabilitation counseling. With over 50 years combined experience, our expertise has been called upon by the community, county and state government agencies. Our professional staff consists of Transition and Employment Specialist, Job Coaches, Independent Living Skills trainers, and Resource Specialists. Integrated with ICS' provision of services is our coordination with partner agencies and referral to appropriate resources.

 

 

For more information about Integrated Community Services programs and services of visit, http://connectics.org/ or call 415-455-8481.

English Country Pine & Design provides custom kitchen cabinets, tables & chairs, Traditional & Country Design Furniture, Remodeling and Woodworking in Marin County.

English Country Design was established in 1986 by John Varney, an English Craftsman and Designer with patience and an eye for detail.

In the well-equipped workshop everything from a coffee table to a large kitchen job flows with ease and confidence. A separate building for finishing offers a dust free environment for a variety of eco-friendly finishes.

The showroom is a perfect designing space loaded with samples of wood, hardware, moulding, colors, etc. and lots of pictures to aid in the designing process.

In the showroom you can also purchase:

   •             Fiddles furniture wax

   •             Rocky Mountain Hardware

   •             Sun Mountain Doors

   •             Michigan Maple Butcher Block tops

   •             Spekva Scandinavian countertops

   •             Raymond Enkeboll carvings

   •             Shaw farm house sinks

   •             Rohl taps and faucets

Wood Choices

Pine, cherry, oak, maple, alder, teak, mahogany... Don’t be overwhelmed. As you see what you don’t care for, it becomes clearer what you do like. You seek can advise on the pros and cons of different wood species and show you an array of color samples. The showroom is a wonderful and vital aid in assisting with the design process and our multitude of samples are available to be taken home so you can be sure of your selection.

Designing

Designing is John’s strong point. With over 25 years of experience, a trained eye, and a good ear, John first listens to your needs then puts pen to paper and starts to sketch for you. Combining this art with examples in the showroom and a myriad of wonderful photographs your idea becomes a reality. John has lectured for the A.S.I.D. on furniture design addressing how to incorporate modern technologies into a traditional design. He’s also a problem solver for those awkward spaces and can always find the perfect balance between function and aesthetic.

Reclaimed Lumber

Typically, reclaimed timber is obtained from the roof joist or flooring of old buildings which are scheduled to be torn down. Although reclaimed timber is usually more expensive than new wood, its rich character and proven quality make it an attractive choice for the discerning furniture buyer.

By the time it reaches your home, reclaimed timber will have endured decades, if not centuries, of seasoning. Its low moisture content and tight grain make reclaimed timber much more resistant to cupping, cracking, curling, splitting, or twisting than new wood.

Reclaimed timber is available in a wide variety of colors and grain patterns. Every piece is unique in its character, often bearing subtle signs of previous use, and can add instant atmosphere to any room in your home or office. At English Country Design, you can personally select the degree of distressing to best suit your taste.

Lastly, by choosing to have your furniture built with reclaimed timber, you will contribute to saving our old growth forests.

Pine Furniture

Antique pine furniture, as we know it today started in popularity in the late 1960's. Young homemakers not wanting the mass produced melamine cheap furniture turned to the auction rooms and secondhand furniture stores for the old pine furniture that had survived from the previous century.  Often covered in many coats of paint, a chest of drawers was a bargain at $10.

First they would strip their newly acquired antique down to bare wood, then polish with Briwax, an inexpensive wax polish with a light brown color and this was the birth of STRIPPED PINE FURNITURE, later to be labeled country pine furniture. The antique trade at the time disowned it, considering it junk furniture and not a fine hardwood antique.

Little did they know because over the following 30 years it grew in popularity and prices rose dramatically and a new cottage industry was born.  That $10 chest of drawers would sell for $500 in the 90's.

In England a dresser (or hutch as it's called in America) will differ in style depending on the region of its construction, and named after that region i.e. Cornish dresser, Irish dresser, Welsh dresser, Lincolnshire dresser, Scottish dresser.

Differences may at first appear subtle but once one knows what to look for it becomes obvious, much like seeing a Mercedes, BMW, or Jaguar without the emblem, one would still be able to identify it.

Throughout Britain people were stripping their interior room doors and adding a wax finish as most houses have interior wood work of pine.  Still to this day watch and English movie and note the pine doors and pine kitchen furniture.

Visit http://www.englishcountrypine.com to see our sample designs. Hours is by appointment only please call first (415) 382 1952 to book for appointment.

JFK Marble Granite & Ceramic serves San Francisco and North Bay Area

JFK offers the following services:

•            Custom fabrication & installation of stone
•            Installation of tile – ceramic or stone
•            Restoration of natural stone
•            Residential and Commercial

Areas served:

Marin County, San Francisco, Sonoma County, Napa County

About Josef

Josef Kremlacek is originally from the Czech Republic, where he learned the artistry of stone design.  When he immigrated to the United States, he brought his knowledge and expertise to the Bay Area and formed JFK & Associates – Marble-Granite-Ceramic.  He has worked in the stone industry since 1965 and has continually worked toward perfecting his craft.

Josef’s expertise in the field of natural and engineered stone includes working with granite, marble, slate, limestone, travertine, Cesarstone, Eurostone, Quartzite, Zodiac, ceramic tiles, mosaic tiles, stone medallions, as well as, glass blocks.  He really knows how to bring out the beauty of any of these materials.  As an artist, he takes great pride in creating a product that is both beautiful and outstanding.  Close attention to detail and fine craftsmanship are evident in all of JFK’s projects.  It is JFK’s goal to provide the highest quality finished product at a fair and reasonable price.

JFK & Associate fabricate and install kitchen counter tops, islands, bars, vanities, bathtub and fireplace surrounds, mantels and hearths, window sills, as well as installing ceramic or natural stone tiles.  Although they believe that it’s best to have their crews prepare your site, they can work with any preparation that might be needed in order to ensure that your job is done right.

Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but JFK is flexible in their schedule to meet the customer’s timeline.  JFK Marble & Granite provides free estimates and in-home consultations and can do small or large projects.

Company’s Philosophy:

JFK believes that quality of work, attention to detail, and making sure that the customer is satisfied with the service are the key aspects of every project.

Stone Care Tips

The care and maintenance of natural stone is very important in order to ensure that the integrity and beauty of your stone is preserved for a long time. Using a neutral pH cleaner or stone soap to clean the stone surface is highly recommended.

What is pH? PH is used to express the acidity or alkalinity for a chemical liquid. PH only applies to water-based chemicals. PH scale ranges from 1-14 where (1-6) = Acid, (7) = Neutral, (8-14) = Alkaline. PH of 1 means the solutions is a strong acid. PH of 14 means the solution is a strong alkaline.

Common Acids: Muriatic Acid, polishing compounds; vinegar, grout cleaners, batteries, bathroom cleaners, rust removers, alcoholic and carbonated beverages, and fruit juices.

Alkaline: Alkaline chemicals are found in heavy-duty stone cleaners, floor strippers, ammonia and lye. When using alkaline products be sure to thoroughly rinse the surface to remove all the alkaline solution. Rinsing is crucial since alkaline solutions can leave a residue on the surface of the stone.

Maintenance: To provide good results, a maintenance program should be implemented when the stone is in “like new” condition. But, there’s no time like the present time to get on a good maintenance program.

Floor surfaces:

Dust Mop: Dust mop with a non-treated dust mop daily to remove sand, dirt and miscellaneous grit. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to nature stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help minimize the sand, dirt and grit that will scratch the stone surface. Normally, it takes a person 7 to 8 steps on a floor surface to remove sand and dirt from the bottom of their shoes. Dust mop only in one direction. Do not move it back and forth. Store mop with head off the ground and keep the mop clean. Do not dust mop on a wet floor. This may cause streaking. Designate one dust mop for each type of surface. Treated dust mops are not recommended for nature stone because the oils in the treated material may soak into the stone and discolor it. Do not used vacuum cleaners with metal wheels. The wheels may scratch the stone.

Damp mop: Sponge type mops are excellent for picking up a spill quickly. It is very important to rinse frequently. The sewn end string mops are best to use because they can be laundered easily in the washing machine. Use clean cold to warm water. Never use hot water as it might cause streaking. Again, it is very important to rinse frequently. Rinsing frequently can prevent streaking, sticky floors and the shine will last longer. Dry the tile with a clean terry cloth towel or machine buff with a white pad.

Cleaning rags: White terry cloth, old t-shirts, cotton rags are all excellent for picking up spills and removing streaking. Do not use colored rags. The colors could bleed into the stone and stain it.

Countertops and Vanities:

Regularly use a neutral pH cleaner or stone soap to clean the stone surface to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills. A mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water may also be used. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that may etch the stone and dull the surface of the stone. Common toiletries such as perfume, toothpaste and mouthwash contain acids and may damage the stone surface and penetrate the sealer. Use a clean soft cloth for best results. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acidic products on marble or other calcareous stones. Rinse with clean warm water and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water often. This is very important. Do not use scouring powders or creams. These products may scratch the stone.

Bath and Other Areas:

In the bathroom soap scum and hard water deposits are the culprits. Using a squeegee after each use can minimize soap scum and hard water deposit builds up. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover.

Spills and Stains:

Spills are going to happen so a quick response and the right solutions can keep spills from damaging your stone or the sealer. Whether the stone is sealed or unsealed highly acidic substances such as orange juice, tomato juice, vinegar, mustard, carbonated soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and coffee will etch most marble, limestone and travertine. Although sealing the stone allows you enough time to wipe up a spill, it cannot prevent the chemical reaction that may dull or etch the stone area.

Dos and Don’ts:

Do dust mop floors regularly.

Do clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap.

Do blot up spills immediately.

Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing.

Do dust countertops, islands and vanities regularly.

Do protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and counter top surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats.

Do enjoy the beauty of your stone.

Don’t use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone,    travertine, onyx surfaces.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners such as dry or soft cleaners

Don’t use alkaline cleaners not specifically formulated for natural stone

Don’t use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub and tile cleaners.

Don’t mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.

Don’t worry. Stains happen and they can be removed.

Visit http://www.jfkmarble.com for sample of designs.

For more information please call 415 442-4982.