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A key priority of the Administration is to engage and provide resources and opportunities for Plainfield youth. On June 25th, the City of Plainfield had the Summer Youth Employment Program kick-off meeting and orientation for 150 Plainfield youth. This is a great opportunity and experience for first time job holders and new hires.
These Plainfield youth will have an opportunity to learn new skills, communications, scheduling and prioritizing work load in a structured environment: and most importantly, the pride and self-esteem that comes from being counted on as a team member, fulfilling responsibilities, and being compensated. This experience will reinforce positive habits and will add to the foundation of these 150 Plainfield youth.
Here are this week's updates:
- Mayor's Task Force: Summer Youth Employment Program Orientation 2015
- Plainfield Bilingual Day Care Transition
- Plainfield Road Closure
- Economic Development Update
- Administration and Finance Update
- Public Affairs and Safety Update
- Workforce Development Update
- Division of Parks and Recreation
- Plainfield Health Center Events
- Plainfield YMCA Update
- Plainfield Education Update
- Plainfield Learning Center
- Union County Update: Recycling Events
- State of New Jersey Update: Unveiling "The Democracy Act"
- Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman: Introduces Bill Improving Access to Health Insurance for Pregnant Women
- President Obama: Supreme Court Ruling on Obamacare and Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month
Creating One Plainfield - One Future,
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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Mayor's Task Force: Summer Youth Employment Program Orientation 2015
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Plainfield City Administrator - Rick Smiley Greets New Summer Hires during Orientation
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With excitement and hope for the youth of Plainfield, I am proud to announce the Summer Youth Employment Program had it's kick off meeting and orientation on June 25, 2015 at Hubbard Middle School.
The City of Plainfield has hired 150 Plainfield youth - many of these students will be employed for the very first time, and will be exposed to many governmental functions, and will now be able to start or add to an existing resume; which is is also important for future employment, college and/or job certification applications.
This year, we have over forty-one work sites, as compared to thirty from last year - the employment engagement is for a duration of six weeks beginning on July 6th and concluding on August 15, 2015.
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Plainfield Bilingual Day Care Transition
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On Thursday, June 25, 2015, during a special meeting, the governing body voted in favor of transitioning the Bilingual Day Care to an established Plainfield entity to handle the management and day-to-day operations of this service.
The governing body adopted two resolutions:
- A resolution to transition the Bilingual Day Care Center to HOPES Community Action Partnership, Inc.
- A resolution for submittal of a layoff plan to the New Jersey Civil Service Commission
We believe this to be a good decision for the City of Plainfield, the students and their families, and the staff of the BDCC. The center began operations in 1978 when there were over 3,000 Latinos as compared to the current population of over 20,000 in 2010 per the Census.
Currently, 70% of the Plainfield education population is Latino. With the transition to HOPES, the existing 69 students will be provided with additional services such as mental health and disability specialists, as well as an on-staff nutritionist. The best interest of the children and the city will continue to be served through the new service provider.
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Plainfield Road Closure Notice
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- Watchung Avenue - Remains closed through July 20, 2015
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Economic Development Update
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Community Development Programs
On June 23, 2015, the Department of Community Development and Plainfield Action Services (P.A.S.) conducted the Plainfield Service Providers meeting in the City Hall Library. Mr. Pranav Sharma from the Union County Department of Social Services presented on assisting TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) that have exhausted their five year time limit and the additional one year SAIF (Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Families) program. He shared information on benefits, fair hearings for benefits extension, and other obstacles these clients face. The next Service Providers' meeting will be in September, 2015.
Comprehensive Housing Assistance Program
 
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Administration and Finance Update
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Plainfield Senior Center Upcoming Activities:
Please see list of activities below and call (908) 753-3506 for additional information:
92ND ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY PARADE
Come enjoy the 92nd Annual Fourth of July parade on Saturday, July 4th at 10:00 a.m. Later, enjoy a free concert in Cedar Brook Park at 5:30 p.m., followed by a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Please bring your own lawn chair to relax.
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 current income with you. You will receive four vouchers totaling $20.00.
Please Note: Social Security no longer provides a representative at the center. Your membership must be current in order to receive a voucher.
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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"Crime Doesn't Pay But We Do"!
This program sponsored by the Union County Crime Stoppers and the Plainfield Police Division will pay up to $5000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment of criminal suspects. There are four ways to submit your tips: TIPS HOTLINE: 908-753-TIPS (8477); TEXT MESSAGE: UCTIP plus your message to 274637; EMAIL: [email protected]; or WEB TIPS: www.uctip.org
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Free Job Training - Project Ready
Project Ready will be accepting applications for its free six-week job preparedness program on July 7 at 9:30 AM. Students receive training in basic business and computer skills as well as resume writing, interviewing & job searching techniques. Project Ready is located within St. Joseph Social Service Center at 118 Division St. in Elizabeth. For more information please call (908) 353-1045 x 213 or visit
www.stjosephelizabeth.org
Job Seekers - Click on Link Below for a Listing of Local Job Fairs
LinkedIn Series:
Part 3 - Using LinkedIn to Your Advantage
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Division of Parks and Recreation is Working for our Youth and Seniors
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Plainfield Health Center Events
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Plainfield Education Update
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Plainfield School Safety and Security Department Honored on its 45th Anniversary
The Plainfield Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools Anna Belin-Pyles commemorated the 45th Anniversary of the School Safety and Security Department for Plainfield Public Schools. At the BOE Meeting on Tuesday, a resolution honoring the men and women of the Department was presented to Eugene Campbell, Director of School Safety and Security for Plainfield Public Schools, and Fred Austin, Coordinator. The Resolution read, "In 1969, the Safety and Security Department was established during a time of change, counter cultural and the quest for civil rights in Plainfield. From this change, the "Security Department" was established to maintain a positive learning environment within Plainfield Public Schools... to provide a safe, secure, professional, clean environment for students, staff, and members of the community... for the care, monitoring, and escort of students during school hours, extra-curricular activities, and community events... for the common goal of success of every student."
Plainfield BOE Bids Farewell to retiring teachers after long service
The Plainfield Board of Education said good-bye to teachers and school professionals who are retiring this year, acknowledging their years of service and thanking them for their dedication to the children of Plainfield. The teachers retiring include Catherine T. Minkler, Cosmetology, (17 years); Maria F. Lucarelli, Elementary Teacher, (37 years); Ray Aboff, School Psychologist, (12 years). In attendance also was Cheryl Nagel-Smiley, Special Education, (46 years), who dedicated her entire career to service neurologically impaired students, since 1969. During her tenure Ms. Nagel-Smiley was selected as the Governor's Teacher Recognition of the Year for the 1985 - 1986 school year. She served on many different education committees including the special education, report card, curriculum, calendar committees. She was a NJEA union representative and served continuous as either a building representative, executive officer, vice president of the Union County Education Association, Union County Representative, Delegate Assembly Member to NJEA, Grievance Chairperson, Membership Chairperson, and a representative to the NEA annual convention. Ms. Nagel-Smiley said she witnessed great historic and social changes around her. She said, "I have enjoyed every minute of every year that I have been employed in Plainfield. I have four photo albums in chronological order of every class since 1969. I have worked with some amazing teachers, administrators, superintendents, and supervisors. I have always considered Plainfield Schools my family." She said she plans to return to Plainfield Public Schools as a volunteer.
Summer School Programs at Plainfield Public Schools to start July 1, 2015
The summer 2015 Academic Programs sponsored by Plainfield Public Schools will start as follows:
- Plainfield High School Credit Recovery Academy for Potential Graduating Seniors (ONLY) will take place at Plainfield High School, Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M., with graduation expected on August 30th. Classes start July 1, 2015.
- 21st Century CCLC/SBYS Summer Learning Camp, for students in Grades 4 - 11, will be held July 6th to August 7th at Clinton School.
Elementary School Summer Camps include:
- SOAR: (Summer Opportunity to Achieve Readiness) Grades 1-5 at Cedarbrook School
- SPED: Extended School Year (Grades Pre K - 12) at Clinton School
- Cook & Woodland Summer Enrichment (Rising 3rd & 4th grade students) at Cook School
- Summer ELL Academy (Grades K - 11) Locations: Cedarbrook, Emerson, Jefferson, & PHS
- The Jefferson Literacy and Math Academy (Rising K - 4th grade students) at Jefferson Schoo
- Maxson Summer STEM Program (Grades 6 -8) at Maxson Middle School
- Summer Robotics and Engineering & Performing Arts Program (Grades 9 -12) at Plainfield Academy for Academic and Advanced Studies.
Kindergarten and Pre-K Enrollment
Registration is still open for children ages 3-4 to enroll in Pre-K programs. Also, open is registration for Kindergarten for children who will be age five by October 1st. Please contact the following:
- Pre-K Registration 908-731-4372
- Kindergarten Registration -908-731-4321
School building Summer Renovations
The District contractors will be performing roof renovations and partial roof replacement at Cook School, Maxson Middle School and Plainfield High School.
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Plainfield Learning Center
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Reverse Mortgages are not Risk-Free
Consumer Protection Bureau Advises Caution with These Loans
The reverse mortgage ads you may have read or seen on TV sound like great solutions to older homeowners' financial strain, but can you trust them?
Not entirely, warns the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Many of these ads lead seniors to believe reverse mortgages are risk-free. If you're thinking of getting a reverse mortgage, learn what the ads don't tell you and what the risks are first.
If you or a loved one already has a reverse mortgage, take these three steps to protect yourself and make a plan for the future.
Social Media Series
What is Tumblr?
What is Pinterest?
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Plainfield Arts and Culture
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Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" kicks off tour at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield on July 12
Excerpt from Article:
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will present Shakespeare in the Park featuring The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's Next Stage Ensemble performing "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare and directed by Illana Stein. Admission is free at each of the six performances.
"Shakespeare's works have survived the test of time and remain undeniably some of the most significant words ever written," said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. "This summer's tour of "Romeo and Juliet" in our parks provides an opportunity for residents of all ages to experience the most beloved playwright who ever lived."
News, Suburban. "Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' Kicks off Tour at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield on July 12." NJ.com, 22 June 2015. Web. 24 June 2015. <http://www.nj.com/suburbannews/index.ssf/2015/06/shakespeares_romeo_and_juliet.html>.
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Union County Update:
Recycling Events
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The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders would like to remind you of several free recycling events coming up this weekend.
On Saturday, June 27th, Union County will host a Computer and Electronics Collection Program at the Union County Vocational Technical School located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. The event will run from 9 am to 1 pm. Residents can bring TV's, computers, monitors, e-readers, phones, printers and fax machines to name a few.
On Sunday, June 28th, Union County will host a Mobile Paper Shredding Event at the Union County Vocational Technical School on Raritan Road in Scotch Plains from 9 am to 1 pm. Residents can bring up to four bags of confidential documents for shredding.
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New Jersey State Update: NJ's Democratic Legislative Leaders Hold News Conference Unveiling "The Democracy Act"
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In this video press release, Democratic legislative leadership -- Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson), Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester), Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen), Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald (D-Camden), and Assembly Majority Conference Leader Shavonda E. Sumter (D-Passaic) -- hold a news conference to announce sweeping overhauls of New Jersey's outdated voting rights laws, including plans to allow early voting, online and automatic voter registration, same-day registration, increased accessibility and protections and an end to wasteful special elections.
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Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman: Introduces Bill Improving Access to Health Insurance for Pregnant Women
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Excerpt from Website Press
Release
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced the Healthy Maternity and Obstetric Medicine (Healthy MOM) Act, legislation that would create a special, 60-day enrollment window for pregnant women to enroll in or upgrade a health insurance plan provided through Healthcare.gov, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) or her employer.
The bill, which has 78 original cosponsors, has received endorsements from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Young Invincibles, the March of Dimes, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and the National Patient Advocate Foundation.
<i>Watson Coleman Introduces Bill Improving Access to Health Insurance for Pregnant Women</i>. <i>Https://watsoncoleman.house.gov</i>. N.p., 23 June 2015. Web. 24 June 2015. <https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/watson-coleman-introduces-bill-improving-access-health-insurance>.
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President Obama: Supreme Court Ruling on Obamacare and Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month
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Supreme Court Ruling
Except from Article:
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that President Obama's health care law allows the government to provide nationwide tax subsidies to help poor and middle-class people buy health insurance, a sweeping vindication that endorsed the larger purpose of Mr. Obama's signature legislative achievement.
The 6-to-3 ruling means that it is all but certain that the Affordable Care Act will survive after Mr. Obama leaves office in 2017, and will give it a greater chance of becoming an enduring part of America's social safety net.
For the second time in three years, the law survived an encounter with the Supreme Court. But the court's tone was different this time. The first decision, in 2012, was fractured and grudging, while Thursday's ruling was more assertive.
Click Here to Read Entire Article
Liptak, Adam. "Supreme Court Allows Nationwide Health Care Subsidies." The New York Times. The New York Times, 25 June 2015. Web. 25 June 2015.
Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month
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In this week's address, the President recognized Immigrant Heritage Month, an occasion that allows us to celebrate our origins as a nation of immigrants.
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