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On Tuesday, June 2, 2015, we will have the opportunity to exercise our right to vote in the upcoming June Primary Election. I encourage you to pause, regardless of party affiliation, and think about how far we have come as a nation in regards to voting rights. Join me in reflecting on an important piece of our history...the r
atification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on August 18, 1920, giving American women the right to vote - a right known as Women's Suffrage. The original U.S. Constitution did not grant its female citizens all the rights given to men, including the right to vote.
I encourage you to exercise your right to vote - June 2, 2015!
Here are this week's updates:
- Memorial Day Observance
- Plainfield Seniors Encouraged to Take Advantage of Senior Freeze
- Plainfield Road Closure Notice
- Economic Development Update
- Administration and Finance Update
- Public Affairs and Safety Update
- Division of Parks and Recreation
- Plainfield Education Update
- Plainfield YMCA Update
- PSE&G Encourages Customers to Apply for Help Paying Energy Bills
- Plainfield Learning Center
- Plainfield Arts and Culture Events
- I Support Labor Unions; Do You?
- Union County - Rhythm and Blues by the Brook
- State of New Jersey: Doing Business with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Seminar
- Senator Cory Booker: Amendments to Trade Promotion Authority Legislation
- President Obama: National Jewish Heritage Month
Creating One Plainfield - One Future,
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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On Monday, May 25, 2015 Plainfield residents, city officials, police and fire personnel joined members of Johnson Jeter American Legion Post #219 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7474 in a ceremony honoring all who have served our great nation and made the ultimate sacrifice. The event started at the War Memorial at Crescent Avenue and East Seventh Street, followed by a formal ceremony at the Veteran's monument on the grounds of City Hall.
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Plainfield Seniors Encouraged to Take Advantage of Senior Freeze
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Senior Freeze - ATTENTION SENIOR CITIZENS
The due date to file the Property Tax Reimbursement has been extended from June 1, 2015 to October 15, 2015 -
Plainfield Tax Collector
If you have any questions please call the Tax office at 908 753-3214
Article:
Trenton - Senior citizens and New Jerseyans with disabilities will have an additional four months to apply for Senior Freeze property tax relief.
The Christie administration has announced it's extending the deadline, originally June 1, to Oct. 15, so that more residents who meet the requirements can apply, the treasurer's office said in a statement.
Anyone who applies before the June deadline should receive their checks in July, the treasurer said, while those file after June 1 will be "processed as quickly as possible."
The state routinely extends the deadline for the program, which last year paid out, on average, $1,200 to more than 172,000 residents, according to the treasurer's office.
To be eligible for the Senior Freeze program, you must be 65 or older or receiving Social Security benefits and have lived in the state for 10 years. Other requirements, including income limits, apply.
For more information or to request an applications, residents can call the Senior Freeze hotline at 1-800-882-6597 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., weekdays.
Samantha Marcus | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. (2015, May 28). Deadline pushed for N.J. property tax relief program. Retrieved May 29, 2015, from http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/05/deadline_pushed_for_nj_property_tax_relief_program.html#incart_river
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Plainfield Road Closure Notice
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Please note the roadway closure schedule for Park Avenue and Watchung Avenue:
- Watchung Avenue - April 20 through July 20 (approximately 3 months)
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Economic Development Update
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Grand Opening of a new business in Plainfield
The grand opening ceremony took place on May 26, 2015 at 6 PM. The new business, "El Sombrero Azul Restaurant", is located at 319 W. Front Street and specializes in Salvadorian Cuisine featuring the delicious "Pupusas, " Flautas" (Fried Tacos) and Tacos de Res , Pollo and Cerdo (Beef, Chicken or Pork Soft Tacos). The restaurant is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM).
The Mayor welcomes this newly open family own restaurant to Plainfield and extends the City's support and encourages the entire community to stop by to support a new business.
Community Development Events
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Administration and Finance Update
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Plainfield Action Service Presents Community Action Month
Plainfield Senior Center: Flea Market Crawl
Plainfield Senior Center Upcoming Activities:
Please see list of activities below and call (908) 753-3506 for additional information:
STONE SOUP PRESENTS
GUYS & DOLLS AT GILL ST. BERNARDS'
We will travel to Gill St. Bernards' on Monday, June 1st to see the play Guys and Dolls. The bus leaves the center at 9:00 a.m. Lunch will be served following the show.
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH
Jan Ramos of Prevention Links will host a six week health seminar in the fitness room beginning on Wednesday, June 3rd from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A healthy lunch will be provided. Anyone who attends at least five classes will receive a $25 gift card from Shop Rite and a certificate of completion.
FOREVER YOUNG XIII
Plainfield Senior Center in conjunction with Plainfield Public Schools cordially invites you to the 13th annual Forever Young Senior Prom at Washington Community School on Friday, June 5th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Reserve your seat by leaving a $10 deposit by June 3, 2015
- Payments made at the door are non-refundable
- Bring your original receipt to the Senior Center to receive your deposit back
- Non-Plainfield residents must pay $20 which is also non-refundable
- To receive your $10 deposit you must attend the promYou must be in attendance at the Prom
- Plainfield Senior Center Members (residents) can arrange for transportation by calling: 908-753-3506
SENIOR CENTER PROM DAY HOURS
The center hours of operation on Friday, June 5th are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please be advised there will be no bus transportation, lunch or staff services provided on that day.
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Public Affairs and Safety Update
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2015 Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Graduation
The 2015 D.A.R.E. graduation was held at Plainfield High School on May 22, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. The ceremony, centered around this year's theme, "It's all about the kids", was conducted by 5th graders. Students from Barlow School, Cedar Brook School, Clinton School, Cook School, Emerson School, Evergreen School, Jefferson School, Stillman School, U.C. Team Charter School, Washington School, and Woodland School participated in the event. Over 500 5th grade students received D.A.R.E. diplomas for participating in a program that gives children the skills needed to recognize and resist subtle and overt pressures that often lead to experimenting with drugs or involvement in gangs or violent activities.
Guest speakers at the graduation ceremony included Dr. Anna Belin, Superintendent, Plainfield Public Schools; Carl N. Riley, Director, Plainfield Public Safety; and Sgt. Ron Fusco, Plainfield Police Criminal Investigation Bureau. Special guests included members of the Plainfield Board of Education. The D.A.R.E. program is funded by the Plainfield Municipal Alliance with generous contributions coming from the pockets of Plainfield Police Officers. Special thanks to Sgt. John Henderson, the Plainfield Police Juvenile Bureau, and the Detectives for their hard work and dedication to this awesome program!
New Plainfield Fire Division Recruits Swearing In Ceremony
Honorable Mayor Adrian O. Mapp swore in our new Plainfield Fire Division recruits on Friday, May 22, 2015 at 6:00 pm on the steps of Plainfield City Hall. The following recruits were sworn in: Kareem Schenck, James Felton, III, Patrick Revan, Jr., Randell Pearson, Jameel Sanders, Steven Smith, Aaron Spivey, Johnathan Callands, Ronnie Belin, Jr., Kevin Bulla, and Anthony Pineda.
Public Safety Tip:
Keep cars locked and remove valuables from view! Please be cautious while talking on cell phones when walking in public. This could cause distractions leading to injuries and/or allow thieves to snatch your bags or other items.
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Division of Parks and Recreation is Working for our Youth and Seniors
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Mathewson Playground and Seidler Field Updates
The upgrades to Mathewson Playground and Seidler Field basketball courts were completed last week. The resurfacing of the basketball courts were paid for a grant from the Union County Recreation Trust Fund.
Summer Camp applications for youth and teens are available in the Division of Parks and Recreation Office, 510 Watchung Avenue.
Free Adult Line Dancing will be held the last Friday of every month starting May 29th at the Plainfield Senior Citizen Building, 7pm - 9pm. Come on down and dance to the music of the 60's, 70's and 80's.
The month of June is packed full of community trips for Active Older Adults. June 1st is an exciting trip to New Hope and Lambertville. Join us for a full month of the "Flea Market Crawl" . Treasure seekers will visit a different flea market every week while experiencing the backroads of New Jersey . Come get on the "Recreation Bus"!
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Plainfield Education Update
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Plainfield Teachers Recognition
Plainfield teaches were recognized at a reception by the Union County Teachers Appreciation Program, held at Kean University on Thursday, May 27. Superintendent of Schools Anna Belin-Pyles and Board of Education President Wilma Campbell were at the event with the honorees.
Plainfield High School Basketball
Jackai Simmons, a Basketball Player from Plainfield High School's Basketball Team signed his Letter of Intent to Midland College. Mr. Simmons was in the Company of his mother and Plainfield School Officials including Mr. Otis Brown, Principal, Coach Jeff Lubreski, and Athletics Director Ms. Yvonne Sheard. The Letter of Intent to Midland College, located in Texas, includes a full scholarship with housing, meals, books, and full tuition. Midland College is a National Junior College, which competes in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC), considered by many to be the most competitive junior college conference in the United States. The college is also a Region 5 for Division 1 Junior college. Superintendent of Schools Anna Belin-Pyles said she is extremely proud of Mr. Jachai Simmons' accomplishments and wish him the best in his career. According to his coaches Mr. Simmons is a very versatile, athletic wing, who will most stand out. Sam Waniewski, Assistant Coach at Midland Junior College,
said "Midland is also excited to have him and (Jackai) will be an immediate impact player for Midland college. We look forward to working with him, and seeing him exceed both academically and athletically at Midland College!"
Frederic W. Cook School Production
Frederic W. Cook School Presents the play, Annie Jr., on Friday, June 5, 2015 at 6:30 PM and Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 2:00 PM. Tickets for VIP seating are reserved and there's a cost involved. For additional information please visit www.plainfieldnjk12.org
Reading Competition
Plainfield Public Schools District celebrated the "Battle of the Books 2015". The competition is about making reading fun for students and getting them interested in books. Teams read the same book and are c
hallenged by judges on their knowledge of the material they read. The winners and the books they read were:
First Place: Team Phoenix (Clinton) Jamil Ivey, Derek Lopez, Jasmine Mesa, Precious Pryce
Second Place: The Golden Readers (Evergreen) Carlos Guerra, Curtis Lang, Karyn Montes Lopez, Solange Portal
Third Place: The Smart Chicks Club (Cook) Chloe Anderson, Taliah Lilly, Chimaka Patrick, Genevieve Terry
First Place: The Galaxy Ninjas (PAAAS) Yulissa Pena, Gysselle Terry, Serenity Washington, Destiny Williams
Second Place: The Phoenix Four (Maxson) Tracy Naa Djanie, Jhaneyja Fowler, Stephanie Sipaque, Emily Torres
Third Place: The Fault in our Divergent Cooc (Cedarbrook) Ameelah Carvin, Shaniah Davis, Dominique Graves Holley
PAAAS Production
The Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies (PAAAS) presents a school theatre production of the play written by Richard Wesley, The Talented Tenth. The Talented Tenth will run for four performances from May 28 through May 30. Opening night is Friday, May 29, 7:30 p.m., at Plainfield High School Auditorium, located at 950 Park Avenue, Plainfield, N.J. We invite the students, parents and our Plainfield Community to attend. Tickets are $10 for adults and $ 5 for students. Tickets may be purchased online. Please visit www.plainfieldk12nj.org.
Application Deadline
Plainfield Public Schools Eighth Grade Students who are interested in Math, Science, the Human Body (Anatomy), or the Medical field are urged to apply for the Plainfield High School's Academy for Allied Health & Sciences. The deadline has been extended and students should send their applications to the Plainfield High School Guidance Department. For more information please call (908)731-4200 ext. 5413.
Registration Announcement
KINDERGARTEN Registration will be held Saturday, May 30, 2015 from 9-3pm at Plainfield High School. For a list of required documents to bring to register your child (ren), please visit www.plainfieldnjk12.org
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PSE&G Encourages Customers to Apply for Help Paying Energy Bills
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Plainfield Learning Center
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Connect with Veterans this Mental Health Awareness Month
This Mental Health Awareness Month, Harold Kudler, M.D., U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' chief consultant for mental health, discusses ways to support mental health recovery and improved quality of life for Veterans.
All too often, we hear or read about Veterans who are in distress or having difficulty adapting to life after military service. Although these stories are troubling, we also know that hundreds of thousands of Veterans are changing their personal headlines by taking steps to live healthy, productive lives with the help of resources that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Service Organizations, and community-based organizations provide.
It is our civic duty to be a support system for Veterans. We can serve those who have served us by sharing their stories of resilience and recovery and by dismantling perceptions of stigma that too often prevent Veterans from seeking support for mental health challenges. Our actions strengthen the already powerful movement of Veterans who are telling their stories of reaching out for help.
For more information go to:
http://maketheconnection.net/connect
"Connect with Veterans This Mental Health Awareness Month." USA.gov Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 May 2015. <http://blog.usa.gov/post/119601610307/connect-with-veterans-this-mental-health-awareness>.
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Plainfield Arts and Culture Events
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Frontiers International Westry Horne Cultural and Heritage Series:
The purpose of the Frontiers International Westry Horne Cultural and Heritage Series is to educate and provide space for intergenerational
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I SUPPORT UNIONS; DO YOU?
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Robert Reich says inequality has skyrocketed as unions have weakened. That is no accident and it's why we have to strengthen unions now!
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Doing Business with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA's goal is to award 42% of its contracts to small businesses - are you getting your share of this lucrative market?
This seminar is designed to walk you through the process of getting started with the EPA and will provide hot tips on smart marketing to EPA buyers as well as help to determine if the EPA is buying what you're selling. We'll cover:
- How you can get your proposal noticed
- Helpful tips on the best ways to market and sell your products/services
Attend this event and learn if your company might be able to become one of the EPA's small business vendors.
What You Need to Know about Government Contracting
Monitoring and responding to solicitations, processing paperwork, writing proposals, pricing your services/products - government contracting can be overwhelming, no matter the agency.
This highly interactive session will help you make sense of what's really important and how to keep on track. Bring your questions and share your experiences - you'll come away better prepared.
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Excerpt from press release:
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), has introduced two amendments to Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation -- commonly known as "fast track" -- that is expected to come before the Senate for final vote this week.
One of Booker's amendments seeks to enhance American economic competitiveness and afford our workers and manufacturers greater opportunity to benefit from 21st century trade agreements by boosting investments in apprenticeship programs that empower young people and displaced workers, increasing our commitments to STEM education, supporting manufacturers in the export sector, and incentivizing state and local government investment in infrastructure.
The second amendment requires a report on the market access opportunities and challenges arising from a prospective trade agreement before the President initiates trade agreement negotiations with a country.
"Booker Seeks to Boost Investments in Job Training, Apprenticeships with Amendments to Trade Bill Ahead of Final Senate Vote." Booker Seeks to Boost Investments in Job Training, Apprenticeships with Amendments to Trade Bill Ahead of Final Senate Vote. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 May 2015. <http://www.booker.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=242>.
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President Obama:
National Jewish American Heritage Month
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President Obama delivers remarks at Adas Israel Congregation in Washington, D.C. in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month. May 22, 2015
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