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March is Women's History Month! Therefore, before providing each of my weekly March updates, I will begin by highlighting the achievements of a Plainfield "Sheroe" who made a significant contribution to local, state and/or national history. I begin with long-time Plainfield resident Lillian Ford Feickert (1877-1945) who served as president of the New Jersey Women's Suffrage Association (NJWSA) from 1912 to 1920. Feickert helped build our state's major suffrage organization to a membership of more than 120,000, leading the suffrage campaign to victory. Under her leadership, Plainfield became the headquarters for the NJWSA, which became the Congress of the League of Women's Voters after ratification.
This week we place a spotlight on the following areas:
- Interim Report on the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing
- President and the First Lady's Let Girls Learn Initiative
- Whitehouse: Untold Stories of African Americans in S.T.E.M.
- Affordable Care Act (ACA) Update
- Urban Mayors Association: Shared Services and Negotiations
- The Education Mayor's Online Playbook
- United Way Greater Union County Book Drive
- Economic Development Update
- Department of Public Works and Urban Development Update
- Administration and Finance Update
- Public Affairs and Safety Update
- Teen Summit - Preparing for College
- Workforce Development
- Arts and Culture
- Resources
Creating One Plainfield - One Future,
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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Interim Report of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing
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I continue to challenge my cabinet to search widely for resources and expertise in areas that may benefit our city. Methodologies and best practices surrounding public safety is crucial as this is one of the main focuses of my administration. On December 18, 2014, President Obama issued an Executive Order establishing the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The Task Force objective was to identify best practices and recommendations to the President on how policing methodologies can result in effective crime reduction, while fostering public trust between local police and the communities they serve and protect. The Task Force directive was to provide an initial report on March 1, 2015. You can view the President's White House briefing and also click on the link to read the report.
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| President Obama Meets with the Task Force on 21st Century Policing |
Click here to read the Initial Report on 21st Century Policing
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The President and First Lady Launch the Let Girls Learn Initiative
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President Obama has launched a new government-wide initiative to help millions of girls around the world attend and stay in school. The First Lady will visit Cambodia and Japan to promote this program. According to the President, more than 60 million girls worldwide do not attend school. The President firmly believes every girl has value and that not getting an education limits their potential and advancement opportunities. The initiative, "Let Girls Learn," consists of a range of existing government programs that will be combined under a single, coordinated strategy. Watch this inspiring video to see determination and hope in our youth.
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| The President and First Lady Launch the Let Girls Learn Initiative |
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The Untold Stories of African Americans in STEM
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I share this inspirational video from The White House presenting stories of African Americans in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). The students capture the talent, innovation and leadership we have in our country. You can learn more about their achievements - prepare to be inspired.
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| Telling the Untold Stories of African Americans in STEM |
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Affordable Care Act (ACA): Update
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The health and well being of every resident is important to my administration and having access to healthcare is a top priority. To that end, my administration secured the Orange ACA Navigator Project. A Plainfield navigator worked at the Plainfield City Hall Annex on Mon., Tues, Thurs., and Fri. to assist Plainfield residents with ACA registration and the many different plans in the marketplace. We held a registration drive before the end of open enrollment, which drew a large Plainfield audience. The last ACA open enrollment period closed on February 15, 2015. We successfully enrolled 75 people who selected plans from Plainfield between December 15 and February 15. We have also engaged over 700 Plainfield residents, informing and educating them about the marketplace and their options.
The federal government just announced a new tax special enrollment period from March 15 to April 30, for anyone who receives the penalty after they filed their taxes and didn't realize they had to have health insurance. A navigator will be assisting Plainfield with these enrollments.
For more information call: 973-500-6031
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Urban Mayors Association: Shared Services and Negotiations Analysis
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On Thursday, February 26, 2015, I sent my Chief of Staff to the Urban Mayors Association Meeting in Trenton. One of the presentations was from the Administrator of Gloucester County on the topics of Shared Services and Negotiating. As you review the presentation below, you will notice cost saving opportunities. Gloucester County consists of 24 municipalities. Highlights include:
- Dispatch (Police and Fire) - Approximate Aggregate Savings = $7,098,216; not to mention the avoided capital expenditures
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EMS - Approximate Aggregate Savings = $3,567,122 to 17 out of 24 Communities
Click Here to View Shared Services and Negotiations Analysis Presentation
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The Education Mayor's Online Playbook
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As an elected official, I am doing my part in helping to secure quality education for the youth of Plainfield by partnering with our local Board of Education and the Superintendent to ensure our children perform up to their potential.
I encourage you to keep current with the Education Mayor's Online Playbook. You will be reading the last installment in this series,
Ensure Students Have Access to and Complete a Post-Secondary Pathway and the reports provided by the Mayors of Dayton, OH, Jacksonville, FL, and Memphis, TN.
This is the Final Part of the Education Mayor's Online Playbook.
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United Way Greater Union County Book Drive
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United Way Book Drive
On Friday, February 27, 2015,
I attended the United Way Book Drive at Washington Community School.
I enjoyed spending time with the young students and sharing the joys and benefits of reading and giving them a free book, as I care deeply about their educational journey. Stressing to parents and young students the importance of reading is crucial to the development of aptitude and learning in general, but also the fundamentals of language, math, science, and social concepts. We must encourage all of our young people to become independent readers. It will help them to do better in school, better in the workplace, and it will enhance greatly their comprehension skills.
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Economic Development Update
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 Office of Community Development Event
The Office of Community Development, in conjunction with Queen City Realty & Jersey Mortgage Company, presented
Opening Doors...Your Key to Homeownership and More!, a seminar for first time homebuyers. The seminar was well attended on Saturday, February 28, 2015, at the City Hall Library. Potential homeowners were able to leverage resources and received answers surrounding first time home-ownership.
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Department of Public Works Update
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Planning Board Updates
Economic development is crucial in helping Plainfield reach its potential. My administration has been working closely with the Planning Board to help fulfill our goal to bring economic development to our city.
To that end, I am please to share the following:
On March 2nd the governing body moved the resolution recommending the new re-development plan for 1340-1426 South Avenue, across Old South Avenue from Plainwood Square Park to the Council Business meeting scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2015. The re-development plan calls for the City to vacate Old South Avenue in order to make way for a new residential development, with 212 potential units being permitted. This area is on the eastern corridor of Plainfield, and it is imperative that we be prepared to take advantage of the "One Seat Ride" to NYC. The plan now proceeds to the City Council for their March and April meetings and a public hearing. Any designated developer will then be able to submit site plans to the Planning Board for development.
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Department of Administration and Finance Update
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From the Plainfield Health Officer: National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month - the perfect time for Plainfield residents to focus attention on the importance of developing smart eating and good physical activity habits. The City of Plainfield WIC office will be incorporating this year's Nutrition Month theme, "Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle", by offering group classes with guest speakers every Thursday during the month of March. The topics of discussion include physical activity, maternal health, food choices on calorie-controlled meals. Please call (908) 753 -3397 for class schedules and to sign up.
The following tips can make a big difference in your health:
Eat breakfast Make half your plate fruits and vegetables Watch portion sizes Enact family meal time Drink more water Everyone can benefit from incorporating healthy changes into their lifestyle. Consuming fewer calories, making informed food choices, and getting daily exercise are key to maintaining a healthy weight, reducing your risk of chronic disease, and promoting your overall health.
Spotlight
Congratulations to Ethel M. Washington, Grants Program Manager, for her induction into the Central State University (Wilberforce, Ohio) Achievement Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony was held on March 3, 2015, during a Convocation celebrating the historically Black University's 128th birthday.
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Public Affairs and Safety Update
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The Plainfield Police Division, in conjunction with The Plainfield Board of Education Athletics Department, will be hosting our first "Freedom Fridays" event at Plainfield High School on March 27, 2015. The event will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Members of the Plainfield Police Division will be volunteering to come out and spend some time with the youth of our city. The purpose of this event is to try and bridge the gap between law enforcement and the youth of our community.
The evening will consist of participatory activities for the kids including basketball, soccer, volleyball, swimming, board games, and poetry. There will also be a D.J. playing music throughout the evening.
The event will be free for Plainfield teens between the ages of 14-18. Free snacks and beverages will be provided, along with prizes and raffle giveaways.
For additional information please contact
Sgt. J. Henderson (908)226 8026
[email protected]
P.O. J Mcneill (908) 226 8026
Jmcneill @ppdnj.com
P.O. R. James (908) 753-3360
[email protected]
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Teen Summit: Preparing for College Workshops
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Greater Union County College Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. presents, "
It Takes a Village" Teen Summit.
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2015
The Queen City Academy - 815 West 7th Street, Plainfield, NJ
RSVP: [email protected]
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Newark Airport and Retail/Hospitality Job Fair
Union County Job Training Program
Click Here for Information in both English and Spanish
PSEG March 11th Supplier Diversity Procurement Fair
Supplier Diversity Procurement Fair
Newark, Robert Treat Hotel
Bergen and Morris Conference Rooms
8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Networking and Refreshments
9:00 a.m.- 10:00 a.m.
Susan Hogan - PSEG, Supplier Diversity Manager Welcoming Remarks and Speakers
Rob Friend, PSEG, Vice President Procurement
Derek Dirisio, PSEG, President, Service Corporation
Rick Thigpen, PSEG, Vice President, State Government Affairs
Mayor Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark
Upendra Chivukula, New Jersey BPU Commissioner
Jennifer Marin, President, Endot Industries
Terrence Clark , President, NY/NJ Minority Supplier Development Council
Marsha Firestone, Women Presidents' Educational Organization, President
John E. Harmon, Sr. African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ President and CEO
10:00 a.m.
PSEG Workshop "How to do Business with PSEG"
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Supplier Connections with PSEG, NJ Utilities, Business Advocacy Groups & Corporate Partners
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Plainfield Easter Egg Hunt
March 28, 2015
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
Cedarbrook Park (Cricket Field near Shakespeare Garden)
Frontiers International Westry Horne Cultural and Heritage Series Presents:
Christine Dixon as Harriet Tubman
"Walk into history and experience her one woman show."
Washington Community School - 427 Darrow Ave., Plainfield, NJ
Saturday, March 7th from 1PM-4PM
Frontiers International Westry Horne Cultural and Heritage Series Schedule
The purpose of this series is to educate and provide space for intergenerational dialogues on topics of African American history and culture.
Plainfield Symphony Orchestra
The Plainfield Symphony's 95th Season opens with the presentation of
"Bernstein on Broadway" at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28th, 2015, featuring special guest Jamie Bernstein, conductor Charles Prince, Grammy Nominee Alexander Silber and Will Reynolds. The program includes symphonic dances and vocal selections from Westside Story, On the Town, Wonderful Town, and Candide.
NEW CHILDREN'S LIBRARY HOURS
The
Children's Library
will now open at 11:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday.
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Red Cross Safety Tips Crucial During Deep Freeze
Brr... it's cold out there! As the bitter cold continues to spread across New Jersey, the American Red Cross has steps to help everyone stay safe and warm.
So curl up with a blanket and some hot cocoa and check out these Red Cross winter safety tips to help you weather the cold.
Meet Marietta: Your Consumer Rights Advocate and Expert
You may have seen Marietta in some of our recent Google Hangouts answering your questions on a variety of topics like credit, debt, mortgages and scams. This week for National Consumer Protection Week, she'll be sharing a tip each day from the Consumer Action Handbook to help you save money, avoid scams and frauds and make smart purchasing decisions. So here's your chance to get to know Marietta.
Who is Marietta? Marietta is your consumer rights advocate and expert. She works for USA.gov as the editor-in-chief of the Consumer Action Handbook, which is your guide to helping you save money and avoid scams and frauds.
What does that mean?
It means she's an expert on all sorts of consumer issues. With her masters degree in consumer economics, she will give you tips and tools to help you make smart decisions with your money, avoid identity theft, scammers and more.
Follow the hashtag #AskMarietta to see them all.
AARP Tax Preparation
AARP tax counselors will provide our members with free tax appointments from Monday, February 2nd to Wednesday, April 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Call 908-753-3506 for an
appointment.
Bring the following to your appointment:
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2013 federal and state income tax return if you filed
* 2014 federal and state income tax booklet
* 1099 SSA and/or 1099 Forms
* W-2 Forms per employer
* 1098 Form if you own a mortgage
* Social Security card for all dependents
* ID for anyone ages 18 and over.
* All child care and dependent care provider info, including employer's name, SS # or EIN #.
* Your 2014 Tax Receipt
* All rent receipts or total annual rent paid if you are a tenant.
If you're interested in having a PTR done, please have your proof of taxes paid completed by the City Hall Tax Office prior to making an appointment.
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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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Stay warm and have a great weekend and don't forget to spring forward on Sunday morning at 2AM.
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