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We must protect the innocent.
We live in a country that is great for many reasons... arguably; some of our greatest attributes are the freedoms we enjoy, freedom to speak about anything, freedom to practice any religion and freedom from religion, freedom to live free of persecution and injustice. But what happens when freedom is taken away from you and you become part of a system, which swallows you and refuses to let go?
On March 11, 2014 Glenn Ford took his first step as a free man in thirty years...
He was a man wrongly convicted of murder and sent to spend what should have been the best days of his life in a notorious death row prison cell in Louisiana, where he languished for thirty long years for a crime he did not commit. A confession from the real murderer is what ultimately gave him back his freedom but it was a bittersweet and short-lived freedom as he passed away from stage IV lung cancer on June 29th 2015.
Glenn Ford was given a twenty-dollar gift card and set outside the gates of the institution, which had held him captive for over half his life.
In a callous statement on a CBS TV interview the prosecutor who ultimately was responsible for setting him free stated; "The justice system worked and no one, including the prosecuting attorney did anything wrong."
He further went on to say that the system had not failed Mr. Ford because he was no longer on death row.
I say that the system did fail Mr. Ford, the justice system did not work, and if the best we can do is offer an apology and a gift card then we are failing dismally in our duty to protect the freedom of every citizen, of this great country, then we have some serious thinking to do about how best to reform our justice system.
It is the responsibility of the justice system to ensure that innocent men and women don't end up on death row; an apology is not sufficient to someone who has had their entire life taken away and who has lived with the threat of execution every day.
Our job should be to prevent people from becoming victims of the justice system which was established to punish wrongdoers and to protect the innocent. We must never be silent in the face of the miscarriage of justice, and what happened to Glenn Ford should not happen to anyone else. After all... what dollar figure would YOU put on a life lost within our justice system for thirty long years?
Creating One Plainfield - One Future,
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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Plainfield Police Division
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On Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at 2:00pm, America's 911 Foundation donated a new 2016 Harley Davidson Electra Glide motorcycle to the Plainfield Police Division.
The Plainfield Police Division will soon be patrolling the area on a brand new motorcycle. America's 911 Foundation, a group that supports first responders and police departments, selected city police to receive a brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle.
The foundation honors those who fell at ground zero by donating a motorcycle to a new police department every year. They also sponsor the largest police escorted motorcycle ride from Somerset, Pennsylvania, to the Pentagon and then to the site of the former World Trade Center towers in New York City as a tribute to first responders who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. One of the representatives of the organization says a gift like this means the department will not have to worry about using tax money to pay for new transportation.
Plainfield Police were chosen randomly out of all the departments that took part in a memorial ride hosted by America's 911 Foundation. August 20 -23, 2015, Sergeant Scott Gwinn of the Plainfield Police Division participated in the ride that consisted of approximately 700 participant motorcycles and 130 escorting police motors that provide traffic control and ensure the safety of the participants and spectators.
As part of the award, Plainfield Police will choose the next department to receive a motorcycle at next year's ride. Next year will be the 15th and final year for the ride. The Plainfield Police Division's Motor Unit will again assist with the escort.
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The Plainfield Fire Divisions new apparatus was delivered this week. The 2015 Spartan ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle) with a 500 gallon tank, 3 tool hydraulic pro system and 15k electric generator is projected to be in service on November 2, 2015.,
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Division of Public Affairs and Safety
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The Annual Plainfield Fire Division Fire Prevention Fair was held on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at the 100 block of North Avenue (main train station). The event included a Car Seat Check station, games and activities for children, a DJ, the Hopper (Happy Jump) House, the Plainfield Fire Division Smoke House, and several fire division demonstrations. There was also a kick-off for Fire Prevention Month with a free Smoke Detector Program sponsored by the American Red Cross.
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Plainfield Action Services
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Habitat for Humanity Seeks Applicants for New Home for Disabled Veteran
PLAINFIELD, NJ - A disabled veteran needs a new home.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plainfield and Middlesex County has issued a statement in search of applicants for a new home on E. Fifth Street in Plainfield. The nonprofit New Jersey Connect is partnering with Habitat to build a new home for a disabled veteran and family for an initiative called "Habitat for Heroes."
Honorably discharged U.S. Armed Forces combat veterans with a service connected physical disability requiring a barrier-free home are especially encouraged to apply. Anyone interested in possible ownership of a single-family and accessible home is advised to attend a mandatory orientation session.
"This is an amazing opportunity to own a home which will be built with love and devotion," said Rev. Jeremy Montgomery, executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plainfield and Middlesex County. "Many in our community cannot wait to work together alongside a disabled veteran and his or her family to provide an accessible and barrier-free home."
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Plainfield Action Services
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Plainfield Action Services: Evangel Church Service to Service
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Message from Reverend David Rodriguez -
As pastor of Iglesia Hispana Emanuel, I was touched by what I saw Sunday October 11 as we partnered with Evangel Church, the Mayors office ,the parks department and the city of Plainfield in this outreach into parks, homes, habitat for humanity, salvation army and many more sites, there were at least 2000 volunteers out in the streets that day, I believe if everyone comes out at the same time in the future, Plainfield will become an example of what could happen when we all roll up our sleeves, it's so easy to say let someone else do it but I believe we are that someone else.
For me it was a real blessing.
A blank wall was transformed by volunteers from Evangel Church into a beautiful wall mural as a tribute to City employees and Plainfield's diversity.
Evangel Church's "Service For Service" was held on Sunday, October 11th, 2015 from 8:00am to 2:00pm. It was a community wide activity where hundreds of volunteers worked in Plainfield on various community clean-up projects. Evangel Church also fed the police and firemen. Additionally, a smaller group led by the First Unitarian Society cleaned up and did planting at Library Park. The project sites were as follows:
- Hannah Atkins Playground
- Mathewson Playground
- Seidler Field
- Drake House - Clean up and restoration
- City Hall - Mural
- Salvation Army - Internal painting
- Habitat For Humanity - 7th Avenue new houses landscaping
- Thruway clean up - Small teams of 5 doing litter removal in the following areas:
- Park Ave
- Watchung Ave
- Front Street
- Leland Avenue
- South Avenue
HOLIDAY GIFT & FOOD BASKET
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Theta Phi Omega Hosts Annual Clothing Distribution
Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brenda Woodbury-Williams
Cell Phone: 908-397-6864
(Plainfield, NJ). Theta Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® and its charitable arm Ivy Visions, Inc.
501 C3
are hosting its Annual Free Clothing Distribution. The event will take place Saturday, October 31, 2015 from 10am to 2pm at the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, 716 Watchung Avenue, Plainfield, NJ. This is event is open to the general public. There will be clothing, shoes, and accessories in various sizes for men, women, and children plus a lot more! Everything is FREE! Tell a friend, bring a friend! For additional information, please contact Lonzella Brice ([email protected]) 908-812-8630.
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Division of Parks & Recreation: October Events
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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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Division of Parks & Recreation: November Event
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Senior Citizens Center: Events
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FOOT DOCTOR
Dr. Dave will be at the center on Monday, October 19th at 10:00am to see members.
MAY I HAVE THIS DANCE?
Belly-dancing and ball room dancing classes have resumed at the center every Thursday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Please see Judi Johnson to sign-up.
HIDDEN TREASURES THRIFT SHOP
Hidden Treasures Thrift Shop will be holding a sale on all store items priced from .50 cents to $25.00 during the month of October. Store hours are from 10:00am to 2:00pm every Tuesday through Thursday. Come and enjoy the savings.
CLG FOOD BANK
Join the center membership on Tuesday, October 20th at 11:00am as they travel to the CLG Food Bank
B-I-N-G-O
Join the center membership as they play BINGO on Thursday, October 22nd at 10:30am
PRAISE MOVES YOGA
Deep stretching, gentle movement and strong scripture combine
for weight loss, stress relief, flexibility, and strength on Friday,
October 23rd
at 10:45am with Kim Todd, Praise Moves instructor.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OCTOBER SENIORS!
Join the center membership as they celebrate our members who were born in the month of October. Plan to join them in this celebration on Friday, October 23rd at 12:00 Noon.
SHAMBALA SATURDAY
Healing Drum Circle led by Judi Johnson and Shelia Bracey-Liggins has changed its name to Shambala, meaning a place of harmony and peace. This month's class will be held on Saturday, October 24th from 12:30pm to 2:00pm in the fitness room.
LEARN TO PLAY SUDOKU WITH MS. BEY
Learn how to play Sudoku and other mind games every third Tuesday of the month from 11:00am to 12:00noon with Abenaa Bey. It's fun! Sudoku is one of the most popular numbers game that we can play every day to exercise the mind. It's a numbers game where players have to fill each of the blank boxes in a puzzle based on specific rules. Playing Sudoku actually exercises your brain extensively. Try it. You'll be happier and smarter and your brain will thank you.
Some of the many benefits of playing Sudoku are:
*Improves your memory
*Stimulates your mind
*Reduces the chances of developing Alzheimer's
*Learn to do things quickly
*Increases your concentration power
*You Feel Happy
MS. BEY'S TAI CHI CLASS
Tai Chi is a low-impact, relaxing form of exercise that can be completed in about 45 minutes a day. Tai Chi is a Chinese art form that focuses on the mental and spiritual aspects of movement. This meditative form of exercise consists of a series of movements that's slow and gentle and doesn't leave you feeling breathless. It addresses numerous key components of fitness: Muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and low-aerobic conditioning. Join her every Tuesday from 2:00pm to 3:00pm in the fitness room.
CITY OF PLAINFIELD WALK/RUN FOR LIFE
Plainfield will be hosting its FIFTH ANNUAL 5K WALK/RUN FOR LIFE starting at the steps of City Hall on Saturday, October 17th at 9:00 a.m. Come and enjoy yourself. There will be awards, vendors, bands and much more!
Sage Elder Care/Medicare Part D -
Monday, October 26th at 11:00 a.m.
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Gavett Place Road Closure
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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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The Department of Community Development hosted a free financial seminar, "How Money Works" on October 14th in Plainfield's City Hall Library, which was well attended. Our presenter was Ms. Trina Lamb who gave a dynamic seminar on sundry financial issues.
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Division of Health and Social Services
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Late last week, NJ PBS ran a really nice segment on JFK's program, Plainfield Health Connections. Please take a look at this link for a great example of the excellent work that is going on in Plainfield each day.
By Briana Vannozzi, Correspondent
"I'm here with Mickey to pick up his prescription," said nurse practitioner Beryl Sowah. "I just want to make sure his insurance approved it."
This is a common scene at a downtown Plainfield pharmacy. Mickey Overton's nurse practitioner escorts him to pick up his medicine and sift through any bureaucratic issues it may come with. He's a patient with the Plainfield Health Connections.
"Plainfield Health Connections is a community outreach program started by
JFK Health System to connect uninsured and under-insured residents in the greater Plainfield area to health and social service needs to better improve their health," said Sowah.
"They've been very helpful because a lot of things I wouldn't have thought to do. A lot of things I probably wouldn't have followed up on my own," said Overton.
The program is hands-on. Patients get paired with a nurse and a social worker. They perform a needs assessment before the patient is discharged from the ER.
"A lot of our patients are uninsured, undocumented and they don't know where to go for primary care services, so they use the emergency room for primary care," Sowah said.
"Serving a patient in the emergency room is the most expensive care setting available," said VP of Government Affairs for JFK Health System, Adam Beder. "So what we have been able to successfully do is teach people how to access the health care system in the community."
In Overton's case, he needed help finding housing. His social worker used to meet him here at the YMCA where he rented a room. They'll also provide transportation, sit in on doctors appointments, help with applying for food stamps or writing a resume.
"Patients fall through the cracks. There's a large gap between leaving the hospital, and getting to a doctor's office. They don't know what to do. We're the bridge for that gap," said Sowah.
"A lot of people won't reach out because they don't know how. They sort of give you that encouragement," said Overton.
In just over one year the program has enrolled more than a hundred people. So far, the results seem to be working. Patients say they're getting better care and the hospital has seen a 67 percent reduction in their ER visits."
"A lot of patients have been so bitten by the system that they've lost trust in the system. We see confidence building up. We see people taking more charge of their health because they see that there's access. They're able to access the resources, so we see a big change in people's attitudes," said Sowah.
Plainfield Health Connection is exploring the possibility of doubling their capacity, which will be housed in this new emergency room. The goal is complete self-management, one patient at a time.
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2015 Health Career Fair
October 28th (Wednesday) -
Clarion Hotel & Conference Center - Toms River
815 Route 37 West * Toms River, NJ 08755 * Directions
COMPANIES ATTENDING:
* Seabrook Village * Bayada Home Health Care
* The New Jersey Institute for Disabilities * HealthSouth Rehab Hospital of Toms River
* Revera Health Systems / Whiting Healthcare
* Meridian at Home* Preferred Home Health Care
* AMIB, Inc. * Epic Health Services * Rose Garden Nursing and Rehabilitation
* Barnabas Health Monmouth Medical Center* ALLIES, Inc.
For more information please contact Guide Publications.
(732) 263-9675 * Email: [email protected]
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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Plainfield Learning Center
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The Future is Ours | TED Talks
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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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President Obama: "Central Casting"
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| "Central Casting" - Barack Obama |
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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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