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Dear Plainfield,
It was with a saddened heart that I listened to news reports of the tragedy unfolding in Oregon yesterday. One cannot fathom the pain of a parent who has done the right thing by sending their child to school, only to receive a call telling them that their child has been killed senselessly. My heart and condolences go out to the victims and their families at this unimaginable moment of grief.
There is an even greater tragedy that is building right before our very eyes and we need to take heed before it is too late. The tragedy is that these mass shootings are happening at such a rapid pace that we are becoming numb toward them. With each successive one we are a little less shocked, a little less outraged and grieve just a bit less.
There have been forty five (45) mass shootings in the United States since the beginning of the year and yet congress refuses to take action regarding gun reform. We need more than prayer vigils and the holding of hands.
The federal government needs to limit the sale of firearms to tightly regulated, licensed dealers and ban unlicensed private individuals from selling guns.
Greater restrictions need to be placed on what, to whom, and where dealers can sell guns. No private individual should be able to purchase an assault weapon, inspections need to be increased and we need to establish a national gun registry to help law enforcement track down dangerous criminals. Gun owners should be required to secure and safely store all firearms in their homes.
Stopping the preventable deaths of American citizens should not be a partisan issue, or the purview of special interests. These members of Congress need to find the courage to do the right thing, without fearing retribution from the NRA, come next election. It's not enough just to "have the conversation." It's time for actual leadership and action.
Let us remember the tragedy of yesterday and unite to rally for change that can save lives.
Creating One Plainfield - One Future,
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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Division of Public Affairs and Safety: Community Meeting
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Please join Mayor Adrian Mapp, Director of Public Safety and Police Carl Riley, Acting Union County Prosecutor Grace Park to participate in a community meeting regarding new initiatives to increase transparency between law enforcement and the public. The meeting will take place 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7 , 2015 in the Anne Louise Davis Room of the Plainfield Public Library, 800 Park Ave, Plainfield. We plan to discuss, among other things, protocols governing investigations into use of force by police officers and a new body-worn camera pilot program that we will be launching within the City.
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Preparation for Hurricane Joaquin
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Division of Parks & Recreation: Open Mic Poetry Event at Cedar Brook Park
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| Open Mic - Poetry Event at Cedar Brook Park with Assata Shakur, Sean Battle, and Kween Moore |
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| Open Mic Poetry Workshop Event at Cedar Brook Park |
Plainfield Residents participated in a writing workshop during the Division of Parks and Recreation's Open Mic Poetry event. This event was facilitated by Evolve NJ's Team Pyramid. During the Open Mic Poetry event, Team Pyramid held three simultaneous workshops entitled, "Artistic Translation: Connect-Form-Express". These workshops focused on writing, speaking, and creating visual art. This event is a part of the "Arts in the Park" initiative.
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Division of Parks & Recreation: October Events
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During the Costume Swap residents will be able to drop off their clean and gently used Halloween costumes to the office of Parks and Recreation- 510 Watchung Avenue, during office hours (9am - 5pm) and receive a one swap voucher for each costume dropped off. On October 10th residents will then report to the Senior Citizen Center (400 East Front Street) from 6pm to 8pm in order to use their voucher to take home a "new to you" costume. Costumes will not be available for purchase only for swap and will available on a first come first serve basis. We cannot guarantee there will be a costume to swap or sizes.
On Friday, October 30, 2015 Parks and Recreation will host Trunk or Treat in the parking lot behind City Hall. Trunk or Treat is an alternative to traditional door to door trick or treating. There will be a costume parade and then various prizes awarded.
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Gavett Place Road Closure
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City of Plainfield: Auction of Foreclosed Properties
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As many of you know, there are a number of abandoned and foreclosed properties in the City of Plainfield. As a result of past auctions, we have experienced improvements to neighborhoods with new construction and rehabilitated properties.
With much enthusiasm, I welcome you to the 2015 Public Real Estate Auction for the City of Plainfield.
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Cultural and Heritage Commission: Grant Applications Due November 16, 2015
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The Plainfield Cultural and Heritage Commission invites you and your organization to review the guidelines below and apply for a grant or mini-grant. The Plainfield Cultural and Heritage Commission is a nondiscriminatory organization, encouraging a broad base of participation among artists, organizations, and audiences. All awards are made without regard to age, race, creed, religion or national origin.
Guidelines
Who is eligible?
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The grant or mini-grant program is designed to provide financial assistance to local artists, arts organizations, cultural purveyors, art educators and others involved in the creation of art and cultural and heritage projects. Applicants must be Plainfield-based (not necessarily a resident), and the application must
demonstrate the project's
broad impact on Plainfield and Plainfield area residents. The event must take place in Plainfield, New Jersey.
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A 501(c) 3 is required for organizations.
Click Here for More Information
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Economic Development: Update
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Administration and Finance Update
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Mayor's Wellness Walk
Breast Cancer Awareness Event
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Planning Board: Public Hearing -In Need of Redevelopment Study
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At their September 3 meeting, the Planning Board held their public hearing for the "In Need of Redevelopment Study" for the Muhlenberg Hospital property. After reviewing the study prepared by H2M Associates, the board determined that the hospital site itself - not the Kenyon House, School of Nursing or Park Avenue parking lot - satisfied the statutory criteria for them to recommend that City Council declare the Area in Need of Redevelopment. This resolution will be forwarded to City Council for action at their October 5 meeting.
The Board granted Capital Project Approval to advance $2 million for the reconstruction of portions of Frances Lane, Loretta Terrace, Maxson Place, Linbarger Avenue, Shirley Street, Coolidge Street, Adam Circle, and potentially Salem Road. This work should commence the fall of 2015, and be completed spring, 2016.
In the first expansion of an industrial facility in over 20 years in the city, the board granted site plan approval to Montrose Molders on West Front Street to construct a one-story, 19,825 square foot building addition to an existing 78,163 square foot distribution warehouse building.
On September 17 the board granted minor subdivision approval to the Greater Plainfield Habitat for Humanity to provide for the construction of a new single family dwelling near the corner of East Fifth Street and Franklin Place. This dwelling will provide a home for a disabled veteran through their "Habitat for Heroes" program.
The board also continued its hearings on the 2016-2021 Capital Improvement Program, which provides the planning support behind all city capital projects. The board, in conjunction with the Mapp administration, will be recommending the expenditure of $3.5 million for capital improvements, including the continuation of the roadway improvement program.
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Edison Health Career Fair
WEDNESDAY - 10/07/2015
10am - 2pm
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Hotel - Edison Raritan Center
50 Raritan Center Parkway
Edison , NJ 08837
What to Bring: Resume and A Smile!
Event Details: A Health Career Fair for RNs, LPNs, CNAs, CMAs, MAs, CHHAs, Direct Care, PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTAs and SLPs. FT * PT *Per Diem - All shifts available. Meet Face to Face with Recruiters, fill out applications and Get a Job!
Additional Information: Free Parking.
Sponsored By: Guide Publications - Jersey Job Guide
Contact Information:
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Jersey Job Club
The Jersey Job Club gives you the tools and support you need to find a job. We will help you develop new skills and build upon skills you already have. There are 23 local Job Clubs and six statewide industry-specific talent network Job Clubs throughout New Jersey.
T
o find a good job in challenging times, successful job seekers look for opportunities to get an edge. The Jersey Job Club is just such an opportunity - and the sooner you start, the sooner you'll get results.
Job Seekers - Click on Link Below for a Listing of Local Job Fairs
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Free Diabetes Program Offered in Spanish at El Centro Hispanoamericano in Plainfied
Are you living with diabetes or know someone who is? We invite you to attend a six-weeks Diabetes Self-Management Workshop series which will be conducted in SPANISH. Participants will learn about diabetes and its risks; the role of diet and exercise; how to deal with pain, fatigue and depression; how to effectively communicate with healthcare providers; managing medications and much more.
Join us for these free workshops at El Centro Hispanoamericano, located at 525 E. Front street in Plainfield. Workshops take place on Mondays from September 28 to November 9, 2015 (excluding October 12), from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The exact dates are: 9/28/15, 10/5/15, 10/19/15, 10/26/15, 11/2/15, and 11/9/15.
For more information or to register for these free workshops, call Silvia Hernandez at (908) 753-8730.
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Plainfield Learning Center
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An Invitation to Men Who Want a Better World for Women | Elizabeth Nyamayaro | TED Talks
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Plainfield Arts and Culture
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Second Street Youth Foundation Event
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Union County Update:
September Freeholder Meeting
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Union County - Freeholder Meeting September 24, 2015 - Union County NJ
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New Jersey State Update: Tropical Storm Joaquin could impact N.J., pose biggest threat since Sandy
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Tropical Storm Joaquin could impact N.J., pose biggest threat since Sandy
Tropical Storm Joaquin formed east of the Bahamas Monday night and could impact New Jersey this weekend, posing the most acute threat from a tropical system since Hurricane Sandy.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Joaquin is expected to meander in the Atlantic Ocean for a few days before turning north. If it maintains its forecast track, Joaquin would be in the vicinity of New Jersey on Sunday.
A landfall somewhere on the East Coast, including New Jersey, is not out of the question, according to the National Hurricane Center.
"We're in that 'cone of uncertainty," said David Robinson, the state climatologist at Rutgers University, referring to the area the National Hurricane Center says Joaquin could track over the next five days. "Any time you're looking at a tropical system that falls within that zone you have to watch it closely."
Click Here to Read Entire Article
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Senator Cory Booker: Booker, Ayotte Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging Obama Administration to Focus on Youth and Digital Engagement in Upcoming UN General Assembly Discussions on Countering Violent Extremism
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For Immediate Release
From Senator Cory Booker website.
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) led a bipartisan letter urging President Obama to use the upcoming Global Youth Summit at the 70
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Session of the United Nations General Assembly as an opportunity to focus global attention on the need to scale up efforts to combat ISIL and other violent extremists' use of social media and digital platforms to recruit new members. Joining Booker and Ayotte on the letter are Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
"As we evaluate our progress, two areas we believe require additional attention and resources are youth and the digital battlespace. Our anti-ISIL coalition struggles to understand how young people engage in this digital battlespace and how the marketplace of extremist ideas and content has prospered to such an alarming extent," the Senators wrote.
"A number of Senators have constituents from their states who have fallen prey to this digital recruitment. Some of them have successfully left the United States and joined ISIL. Others have, thankfully, been intercepted by authorities before doing so. Many of these individuals are young people from educated, middle class backgrounds, and friends and family members report nothing particularly unusual about them that could have predicted the course they chose."
The Senators conclude, "We support your efforts to bring together leaders and young civil society activists from around the world to build young people's resilience to violent extremism propaganda. We appreciate your attention to this issue and the commitment of the participants to youth-driven responses to this important issue. We hope to work with you to better protect our country and our young people."
Senator Booker is currently writing legislation to bolster the United States' online counterterrorism strategy to counter ISIL's effective social media campaign which has persuaded youth to join ISIL and other violent extremist groups.
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President Obama: Speaks at a U.N. Luncheon
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Please have family and friends sign up to receive these important weekly updates. They can sign up by calling (908) 753-3310 and providing their email address.
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