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All residents, businesses, faith-based and community organizations in the City of Plainfield have a special place in my heart. With this in mind, I want to reiterate that well being, safety, community harmony and unity is a top priority.
My commitment will be on full display when the City of Plainfield
host its 39th annual celebration of National Night Out from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, in front of City Hall.
We will join forces with thousands of other communities and millions of participants across the country in promoting cooperative, police-community based crime prevention aimed at building stronger and healthier neighborhoods with a quality of life that everyone desires and deserves.
I invite and encourage all Plainfield residents, businesses, faith-based organizations, block associations and community organizations to attend and share in this event which
includes free refreshments, live music, introduction of Council members who will share comments, and other dignitaries. We will recognize the Block Associations and our Police Division who regularly collaborate in fighting crime in our neighborhoods.
I have designated the Division of Parks & Recreation to work with the council to plan for and carry out this year's initiative. For more information, you may contact Recreation at
(908) 753-3097
during regular business hours.
I thank you in advance for your interest in Plainfield's National Night Out celebration and look forward to seeing you at the event.
Here are this week's updates:
- Plainfield Community Forum
- Plainfield Road Closure
- PSE&G Energy Strong Update
- PACHA (Plainfield Advisory Commission on Hispanic Affairs) Special Meeting
- Plainfield Historic Architecture - Featured in Old House Journal
- Plainfield Library Board Announces Appointment of New Library Director
- Plainfield Business Survey
- Economic Development Update
- Administration and Finance Update
- Public Affairs and Safety Update
- Workforce Development Update
- Division of Parks and Recreation
- Plainfield Health Fair Events
- Plainfield YMCA Update
- Plainfield Education Update
- Plainfield Learning Center
- Union County Update: Do You Have What it takes to be a Master Tree Steward?
- State of New Jersey Update: How Do Commuters Plan to Beat the NJ Transit Fare Hike? By Changing Jobs, Zip Codes
- Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman: Statement on Final P5+1 Nuclear Agreement
- President Obama: Fair Housing
Creating One Plainfield - One Future,
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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Plainfield Community Forum
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Plainfield Road Closure Notice
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Park and Watchung Avenues Bridge Replacement Milestones and Road Closures
- 8-10-2015 - Close Gavett Place to begin erecting new bridges. NOTE: That North Ave. will be closed to WB traffic (eastbound only) in order to avoid U-turns due to the closure of Gavett Place.
- 9-21-2015 - Close Watchung Ave. to prepare for roll - in of bridge
- 10-2-2015 - Start of weekend 2-track outage to roll-in Watchung Ave. Bridge (substitute busing will be provided)10-9-2015 - Re-open Watchung Ave. and close Park Ave. to prepare for roll -in of bridge
- 10-16-2015 - Start of weekend 2-track outage to roll-in Park Ave. Bridge (substitute busing will be provided)
- 11-2-2015 - Reopen Gavett Place
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Energy Strong Gas Work Schedeule
Plainfield - List of Streets
Plainfield Gas District: 908-668-3839
- W End Avenue between W Front Street and North Plainfield border
- Sycamore Avenue between North Plainfield border and W Front Street
- Brookside Place to Geraud Avenue
- Geraud Avenue between North Plainfield border and N Front Street
- Albert Street between Myrtle Avenue and W Front Street
- Compton Avenue between Myrtle Avenue and W Front Street
- Myrtle Avenue to Emma Street
- Emma Street between Myrtle Avenue and W Front Street
- Mariners Place between Myrtle Avenue and W Front Street
- Mariners Court to Myrtle Avenue
- Clinton Avenue between Myrtle Avenue and North Plainfield border
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PACHA (Plainfield Advisory Commission on Hispanic Affairs) Special Meeting
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| Photo courtesy of David Alonso, Joy Digital Image - members of PACHA alongside Mr. Carlos Sanchez (Director of Economic Development and Assistant City Administrator) and Plainfield business owners at the special community meeting held on Wednesday, July 15th, 2015 at the City Hall Library. |
On Wednesday, July 15th, PACHA (Plainfield Advisory Commission on Hispanic Affairs) held a special community meeting with members of the administration to discuss the safety/security of Plainfield businesses, economic development, and business opportunities that are currently available. The event was attended by various Plainfield business owners, residents, Mr. Carl Riley (Director of Public Affairs and Safety) and Mr. Carlos Sanchez (Director of Economic Development and Deputy City Administrator).
An informative discussion ensued regarding public safety issues (police presence, inadequate lighting, and more) and information was provided about the many programs that are available to assist Plainfield businesses. For more information about what was discussed at the event, please contact Carlos Ponton, PACHA Secretary ([email protected]). PACHA aims to continue this discussion and initiate new conversations between the Latino community and members of the administration.
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Plainfield Historic Architecture - Featured in Old House Journal
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One of the great assets the City of Plainfield offers is our housing stock. With ten historic districts, Plainfield's historic architecture is second to none in the state of New Jersey. This restored home is
one of the many historic treasures in the City of Plainfield, and is showcased in the August edition of Old House Journal. These historic districts, also serve as community organizations that are very active. Active historic districts include: Van Wyck Brooks, Crescent, Netherwood, and Hillside.
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Plainfield Library Board Announces Appointment of New Library Director
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Article:
The Plainfield Public Library Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Mary Ellen Rogan to the position of Director, following the retirement of Joe Da Rold. Mary Ellen, who has been Plainfield's Assistant Director since 2009, was selected after a widespread recruitment by the Board. From 1991 to 2009 she was employed by the New York Public Library's Performing Arts Library as Senior Archivist, Manager of the Wilson Processing Project, and Assistant Director for Special Formats Processing. She is active in the Daughters of the American Revolution, currently serving as NJ State Vice-Chair of Lineage Reasearch, and is NJ State Registrar of the Daughters of 1812. She will assume the Plainfield Directorship on September 1, 2015.
Joe Da Rold has been Executive Director of Plainfield Public Library since 1994. He began his library career in 1966 with Los Angeles County Public Library System, then became City Librarian of the Santa Fe Springs City Library. He served as the first Executive Director of the Whittier Historical Society & Whittier Museum and the Hathaway Ranch Museum. Prior to returning to New Jersey, where he was raised, he was employed by the Burbank Public Library as Head of the Warner Research Library. He has been the recipient of numerous local and statewide awards, including NJLA's Librarian of the Year, the Susan G. Swartzburg Preservation Award, the Roger McDonough Librarianship Award, and the Gail Stern Award. He has been active in several NJLA Sections, having served as President of Urban Libraries and History & Preservation and is Past President of the LMxAC Board of Directors.
"Plainfield Library Board Announces Appointment of New Library Director." Plainfield Public Library. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 July 2015. <http://www.plainfieldlibrary.info/AboutUs/NewDirector2015.html>.
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Plainfield Business Survey
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Economic Development is a key
priority
to the City of Plainfield. In an effort to better understand what services, retail and restaurant types the city's commercial districts offer (and do not offer) our residents and visitors, and the needs of our business community, on Monday, July 20 summer youth interns will commence a 'field visit' to each and every business. Armed with a clipboard, pencils and paper, interns will ask proprietors about business types, years of operation, store size, business registrations and other key elements that are basic components of the creation of a downtown survey. The survey will also allow for merchants to advise the city as to room for improvement in attracting and promoting our commercial areas. While quantitative answers will be totaled, individual responses will NOT become public. As the usefulness and accuracy of a survey are based on the amount of respondents, we hope that every merchant will take the time to complete our surveys to provide basic information on owning and operating businesses in the City of Plainfield.
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Economic Development Update
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Community Development Programs
Comprehensive Housing Assistance Program (CHAP)
We are still accepting applications. Please see our flyer for more details.
 
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Administration and Finance Update
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Senior Freeze - Attention Senior Citizens
Due to the late release of the tax bills, the due date for the third quarter normally due August 1st has been extended to August 25th. Any payments made after the 25th will accrue interest from August 1st.
Plainfield Tax Collector
If you have any questions please call the Tax office at 908 753-3214
Emergency Food Providers Roundtable
Plainfield Action Services (PAS) hosted an Emergency Food Providers Roundtable on Tuesday, July 14, 2015 to discuss food insecurity and hunger in the City of Plainfield. The meeting was attended by various emergency food providers including churches, social service agencies and community groups.
There is a misconception that when people hear "hunger" they think "unemployed". There is a growing number of working people with moderate to middle incomes who rely on various soup kitchens, food pantries, churches, community groups and individuals for help. They find themselves facing empty cabinets and empty stomachs. Based on the roundtable discussion, there has been significant growth in the number of men seeking food assistance.
An overarching objective of the roundtable was to collaborate, build upon deep community ties, leverage expertise, resources, and leadership for the benefit of those in need of emergency food. The take-away is that there is a need to develop innovative methods and technical expertise throughout the city.
There was a call to deepen partnerships amongst agencies, with various levels of the government, and the private sector in New Jersey and beyond. Emergency Food Providers are in dire need of additional financial support and would like to partner with the private sector. Many of the EFP in Plainfield need assistance to increase food storage capacity, refrigeration space for upwards of five days during peak times, and possible long term space.
The City of Plainfield continues to be affected by chronic food insecurity. With nearly 22% of the population living below the federal poverty line, chronic food shortages exists. Now is a critical time for all emergency food providers to increase its partnerships.
PAS will continue to play a key role in advocacy efforts by working with coalitions of concerned citizens and community organizations. We can -- and we will -- make a significant difference in the lives of families and individuals by reducing hunger and poverty in the City of Plainfield. Plainfield Action Services can be contacted at (908) 753-3519
NJ Shares
Plainfield Action Services (PAS) is committed to an on-going search of ways to bring support to the citizens of Plainfield. PAS is now an authorized Intake Agency for NJ SHARES. New Jersey SHARES, Inc. (NJ SHARES) provides assistance to individuals and families living in New Jersey who are in need of temporary help in paying their energy and utility bills. Eligibility is based on household size and income. NJ SHARES grant amounts can be up to $700 for heating source (gas and electric heat), and up to $500 for electric service. Grants must result in continuance and/or restoration of service. Applicants must demonstrate a temporary financial need and a history of good-faith payments to their energy provider.
Eligibility Guidelines
Applicants Must:
*Reside in New Jersey
*Be experiencing a financial crisis, such as a job loss or illness
*Be behind on their energy bill
*Have income over the limit for Federal programs such as the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and state programs such as the Universal Service Fund (USF)
*Have an income level that does not exceed 400% of the Federal Poverty Level *Have made a good-faith payment of $100 or more within 90 days of applying for NJ SHARES
Guidelines for Seniors and the Disabled
*Applicants 65 years of age or older, with households of one or two members, will be eligible for NJ SHARES if the maximum household income is $70,000 gross annually or $5,833 gross monthly. Proof of age is required.
*Applicants receiving Federal Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, with households of one or two members, will be eligible for NJ SHARES if the maximum household income is $70,000 gross annually or $5,833 gross monthly. Applicants must show proof of Federal SSD benefit.
Plainfield Action Services can be contacted at (908) 753-3519
UNION COUNTY VEGETABLE VOUCHER
The Union County Aging and Disability Resource Connection will be at the center on Wednesday, July 29th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon to distribute food vouchers to Union County residents age 60 and over. Please bring proof of residency and verification of income with you. You will receive four vouchers totaling $20.00.
Please Note: Social Security no longer provides a representative at the center.
2015 Senior Farmer's Market Vouchers
For more information call (908) 753-3506
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Public Affairs and Safety Update
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Fraudulent Currency Advisory
The Plainfield Police Division would like to make you aware of the increase in fraudulent currency ($100 bills) in and around the Plainfield area. Please remember the Plainfield Police Division along with the United States Secret Service investigates crimes pertaining to counterfeit money. Here is a link for the United States Secret Service for some helpful tips to identify counterfeit currency: http://www.secretservice.gov/money_detect.shtml
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Career Advice Links:
Below are some helpful resources to questions jobseekers may have regarding career development.
7 Ways to Move Up by Moving Over
What to Do if a Company Asks for Your Facebook Password in a Job Interview
Name Dropping During an Interview
5 Steps to Effective Alumni Networking in a Job Search 5 Steps to Effective
Alumni Networking in a Job Search
EDISON NJ JOB FAIR...MANY NEW COMPANIES!!
TUESDAY - 07/28/2015
5pm - 7pm
Location:
CROWNE PLAZA -
2055 Lincoln Hwy ,
Edison , NJ 08817,
Middlesex, NJ
What to Do and Bring: Dress Professionally; Bring at least 15 copies of your resume; Be ready to network with other candidates. A job fair is a great networking opportunity to connect with hundreds of other candidates in the marketplace. Even if you are unsure about meeting with a company, approach them and pitch yourself and your skills, you never know where it will lead. The best chance to obtain the interview is to actually attend the event. Hiring managers are looking for those candidates that take the initiative to actually ATTEND the fair
Event Details: YOU SHOULD PRE-REGISTER for the event(s) you plan to attend, hiring managers will have access to your resume, this will increase your chances of connecting with the hiring companies. Please click or post the link below into your browser http://careershowcase.com/event-details/?eventid=297&venueid=44 to pre register. 5pm company presentations begin. Be on time for this informative session. Each company will present themselves to you in a theatre like environment so that you can familiarize yourself with what the company does and what they are hiring for. After the presentations, you will have the opportunity to meet with the companies that interest you most.
Additional Information: Contact -
Brad Edwards at 732-424-2532
Job Seekers - Click on Link Below for a Listing of Local Job Fairs
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Division of Parks and Recreation is Working for our Youth and Seniors
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Movie Night
Pictures from Recreation Events and Programs
| NJ State Symphony Orchestra Performed at Library on July 11, 2015 |
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Community Outdoor Movie Night
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Plainfield Education Update
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Plainfield Community Forum
Plainfield Public Schools will be participating in the upcoming Community Forum sponsored by Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and the Greater Central Jersey Clergy Association on July 28 at 7:00 pm at the Rose of Sharon Church located at 827 W. 7th. St.
Preschool Registration is Open
We would like to remind parents that preschool registration is open Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00p.m. Bring your preschooler with you to registration and receive free screenings for them for vision, hearing, height, weight, and blood pressure. No appointment is necessary. Register at Early Chilhood Programs and Services at 209 Berckman St. Should you have any questions, please call 908-731-4372.
Family Fun Activities
The Plainfield Public Schools Family Success Center is offering activities for the family this Summer. Coming up is a Family Fun evening on July 22 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and a Family Picnic on July 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The events are free and open to the public. All the events are held at 209 Berckman St.
Board of Education Meeting
The next meeting of the Board of Education will be held Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 8:00 p.m.
Family Picnic
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Plainfield Learning Center
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Social Media Series
Twitter Tutorial (2015)
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How to use Twitter! In this video I'll show you how to use Twitter to build authentic relationships. From content to influencer outreach, I'll explain the simple tactics that make a big difference.
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Instagram Tutorial
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Instagram is a social network that is entirely based around photography. If you enjoy shooting photos or viewing photos shot by others, this is the class for you.
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Plainfield Arts and Culture
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Swain Galleries "Selected Works" Exhibition
Saturday, July 18th, 2015
5pm - 7pm Free & Open to the Public
Join us to celebrate the opening night of Swain Galleries Annual "Selected Works Exhibition". Come to view the work of many students of duCret School of Art! Swain Galleries is located at 703 Watchung Ave, Plainfield, NJ 07060
Union County Summer Concert Series Good Vibrations (Beach Boys Tribute) Wednesday, August 5, 2015 @ 7PM Echo Lake Park, Mountainside, NJ
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Union County Update:
Do You Have What it takes to be a Master Tree Steward?
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Press Release:
Union County, NJ - If you can take a series of guided visits to nearby nature preserves, then you have what it takes to join the Master Tree Stewards of Union County. Members of this all-volunteer organization spend the fall season learning about the critical role that trees play in our environment, and each spring they share their knowledge with hundreds of fourth grade students throughout the County.
"Urban and suburban trees are proven to provide many benefits. They reduce airborne pollutants, prevent storm runoff, and help keep neighborhoods cool in the summer," said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed Jalloh. "If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity that gets you in touch with nature and children while helping to improve our Union County environment, the Master Tree Stewards is the place for you."
Studies have also linked urban trees to improved public health and safety as well as economic growth.
The Master Tree Stewards is a free program run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, and supported in part by the Freeholder Board. The Extension offices are located in the Colleen Frasier County Services building in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East.
No previous experience with trees or teaching is necessary.
To become a certified Master Tree Steward, prospective members partake in a series of guided visits to nature preserves starting in September. They learn how to communicate with children about the role that trees play in the environment, and how to plant and care for trees.
After completing the training program, the newly minted Master Tree Stewards receive a teaching kit and supplies, and they visit fourth grade classrooms to present fun-and-games lessons about trees.
Master Tree Stewards can also engage in other tree-related community service projects throughout the year.
To receive an application and more details, contact Extension Agent James Nichnadowicz at 908-654-9854 or [email protected]. Don't delay - training starts on September 9.
For more information about the Master Tree Stewards, 4-H Clubs, and other Extension programs for all ages, visit online at ucnj.org/rce.
"Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Master Tree Steward?" N.p., 10 July 2015. Web. 14 July 2015. <http%3A%2F%2Fucnj.org%2Fpress-releases%2Fpublic-info%2F2015%2F07%2F10%2Fdo-you-have-what-it-takes-to-be-a-master-tree-steward%2F>.
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New Jersey State Update: How Do Commuters Plan to Beat the NJ Transit Fare Hike? By Changing Jobs, Zip Codes
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Excerpt from Article:
With a 9 percent fare increase all but guaranteed after Wednesday's board
vote, will more riders ditch their NJ Transit commute, their job or the state?
NJ Transit estimates that 3,500 to 4,000 customers, or less than 1 percent of
ridership, will stop riding after fares increase, said Nancy Snyder,
a spokeswoman.
Between Wednesday's board vote and the Oct. 1 fare increase, riders have time to reconsider their options, including finding a job with a better commute or moving closer to the job they have now.
Larry Higgs | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. "How Do Commuters Plan
to Beat the NJ Transit Fare Hike? By Changing Jobs, Zip Codes. " N.p., 14 July 2015. Web. 14 July 2015. <http://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2015/07/how_do_commuters_plan_to_beat_the_nj_transit_fire_hike_ by_changing_jobs_zip_codes.html>.
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Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman: Statement on Final P5+1 Nuclear Agreement
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Washington, DC (July 14, 2015) Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement after P5+1 negotiators reached consensus on a comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran:
"I am encouraged by the administration's efforts to use diplomacy to reach an agreement that has the potential to create a lasting peace and disarm one of the world's most concerning actors. While this deal gives us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the Middle East, we cannot consider it lightly, nor should we rush to approve it. I will not support any deal unless it lives up to the high standard necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
"I firmly believe that we must use every tool at our disposal to promote and expand peace around the world, and I truly hope that this agreement becomes a remarkable example of what we can accomplish when we pursue diplomacy and abandon excessive aggression. I will closely analyze this agreement, and I am hopeful that my colleagues in Congress will set politics aside to do the same. The final outcome must make the world a safer place."
"Watson Coleman Statement on Final P5+1 Nuclear Agreement." N.p., 14 July 2015. Web. 14 July 2015.
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President Obama: Fair Housing
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Making Our Communities Stronger Through Fair Housing
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The President discusses a new rule announced by his Administration to make it easier for communities to implement the Fair Housing Act.
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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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