F rom Plainfield City Hall
  Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
One Plainfield.  One Future.
 
  
Happy Thanksgiving From My Family to Yours!
 
Thanksgiving is a time when we reflect on the past year and focus on the good things that have happened to us... things for which we are truly grateful. As an extension of that we tend to turn our thoughts to missed opportunities and poignant moments when we could have said "thank you" or reached out to someone whose presence in our lives is appreciated, but to whom we seldom express our gratitude. We take solace in the comfort of family and friends and exchange long overdue hugs and words of affection.
 
There are those amongst us who have gone through life altering moments this year including the loss of a loved one, a job, faced frightening moments of doubt, and some have had personal battles with health issues. While challenging, and in some cases downright frightening, the truth is that these moments have served to remind us just how truly precious each and every moment of life is, and why they are to be treasured. While some sadly have lost the battle and are missed fiercely, we are thankful for the breath to celebrate their lives and memories.
 
On a national level we have faced challenges and tragedies and have had moments when our determination to be thankful has been sorely tested. However, we have clung to that spirit which embodies Thanksgiving...that is the spirit of hope and thankfulness.

We do not live in a utopia, yet our circumstances are undeniably better when compared to others. We can be thankful for freedom of speech which is denied to so many. We can be thankful for freedom to practice any religion we choose without fear of persecution. We can be thankful that we enjoy a democratic process which allows us to choose the people we entrust with positions of leadership. We can be thankful that despite our many challenges we still are strong as a people. It is this strength which helps us overcome many obstacles and allows us to rise again and again.
 
Plainfield, we are thankful to live in a community where there is an outpouring of compassion and charity for those amongst us who are facing challenges. We are blessed knowing no matter the obstacles presented before us we have friends, family and neighbors who care deeply and are near in times of need.  We are thankful to be able to embrace loved ones on Thanksgiving while  cherishing the memories and spiritual connections we have with those who are missed so dearly.
 
My family and I send warm wishes to yours for a safe, joyful, and loving Thanksgiving!  

   
Creating One Plainfield - One Future,
 


Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
Comcast Newsmakers Interview: The Mapp App
Jill Horner speaks with Adrian O. Mapp, Mayor from the  City of Plainfield , about Plainfield's Mobile App: The Mapp App. Recorded on: 11/17/2015.

JFK-Muhlenberg  Satellite Emergency Department 
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Ray Fredericks, President/CEO JFK health System Oliver Anderson, Muhlenberg Foundation Peter Pogany, President, Muhlenberg Health System and Muhlenberg Foundation Derryck C. White, Council President - South Plainfield, Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, Peter Blechinger Flavia, Blechinger-Daughter of the Pantaleone's Donna Meade- President, JFK Foundation Nina Weil, daughter of the Pantaleone's William Weil John Kolaya, Board Member JFK Health System, Former Muhlenberg Hospital Board Chair

 

On Monday, November 23, 2015, I participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the JFK-Muhlenberg Satellite Emergency Department.  The grand opening and operations of the satellite emergency department is important to Plainfield. It is a state-of-the-art emergency facility in proximity to all of our residents.  
Thanksgiving Turkeys


Giving Back to Our Seniors
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the First Lady and I strongly believe in giving back, especially to our seniors. They have earned our respect because they paved the way for many of us, taught us, and shared many valuable life lessons.  Every Thanksgiving we give away turkeys.  As in prior years, I raffled-off the turkeys at the Plainfield Senior Center on Monday, November, 23, 2015.  

The senior apartments such as Cedarbrook, Tower West, Covenant Manor and Richmond Towers, also received turkeys from the First Lady and me for the Thanksgiving holiday.  

To all of our Plainfield residents and my readers - the First Lady and I wish you a happy, healthy and enjoyable Thanksgiving Day.
Save the Date! Mayor's Town Hall
Mayor's Town Hall
Please be advised that the Mayor will be hosting a "Town Hall Meeting" on Thursday, December 3 rd, 2015 at 7:00 pm at the Plainfield Senior Citizens' Center.
  • Mobile Technology: The Mapp App
  • Economic Development: Updates  
  • Planning Division: Updates
Plainfield Senior Center Address:  400 E Front Street, Plainfield, New Jersey
Phone: (908) 753-3506
Economic Development: Update
One Stop Dental Grand Opening
On Tuesday, November 10th, the City of Plainfield welcomed Dr. Sachdeva to her newly renovated "One Stop Dental" facility which is located at 211 West Front Street, Suite 114. One Stop Dental is a full service dentistry office for the entire family with a friendly and professional staff waiting to provide you high quality service.

Dr. Sachdeva has over 10 years of experience. She is a member of the New Jersey Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the Middlesex Dental Society. 
Dr. Sachdeva believes that dentistry is a  philanthropic science and dental care is an important part of healthy living.  I encourage you to stop by One Stop Dental and give yourself and your family a "brighter smile" for the Holidays.

 
 
Administration and Finance: Update
 
Flu Shots
   The City of Plainfield Health Division held 5 flu clinics, and dispensed 414                vaccinations. We have 50 vouchers for flu shots for Plainfield residents. Please      call the Health Division at 753-3092 to reserve a voucher. The Health Division         is located at:
                   City Hall Annex
                   510 Watchung Avenue
                   2nd Floor
                   Plainfield, New Jersey 07060


Public Affairs and Safety: Update
Keeping Car Doors Locked
The Plainfield Police Division would like to remind all citizens not to leave their vehicles un-locked, running, and unattended during this season. Leaving your vehicle in this state greatly increases the opportunity for theft and damage to your property. This activity routinely takes place during the colder weather while parked in front of homes and during quick errands at local businesses. Please help us reduce these types of crime within the City of Plainfield by taking a proactive step toward prevention.
 
ACA Workshop for Businesses


 
Workforce Development
 


Announces Veterans Job Fair
December 12, 2015
Edgewood Properties' Job fair for veterans to be held at its Luxury Community in South Plainfield
Let us know if you plan to attend the Veterans Job Fair
by sending us an email with your contact information and desired position.
Resumes are welcomed.

Piscataway, NJ - Edgewood Properties, Inc. ( www.edgewoodproperties.com) will be hosting a Veterans Job Fair on  Saturday, December 12, 2015 10 am to 4 pm in South Plainfield. Representatives of Edgewood Properties, Inc. will be present to meet with candidates seeking positions in various fields. Edgewood Properties, Inc. recognizes the valuable contributions that veterans have made and the unique leadership skills that they possess.
Among the positions we are currently considering candidates for:
  • Accounting & Finance
  • Administrative Support
  • Apartment Leasing & New Home Sales
  • Architects, Designers & Drafters
  • (CAD)
  • Civil Engineers & Surveyors
  • Construction & Excavation
  • Customer Service/Concierge
  • Design Professionals
  • Dump Truck Drivers Class B
  • General Laborers, Groundskeepers, Housekeepers
  • Heavy Equipment Mechanics & Operators
  • HVAC Techs, Plumbers
  • Marketing, Web Design & Development
  • Painters & Handymen(women)
  • Property Managers
  • Residential & Commercial Maintenance Techs
Event: Veterans Job Fair at Edgewood Properties
When: Saturday, December 12th from 10 am - 4 pm
Location: The Community Clubhouse at Celebrations
100 Santoro Way
South Plainfield, NJ 07080

Directions:  http://homesatcelebrations.com/location.html
Business Casual Dress + BBQ Lunch and Refreshments
Interested Veterans and Others can RSVP by contacting Marc LeVine at  (732) 985-1900 x1140 or [email protected]
About Edgewood Properties:
Since its founding in 1992, Edgewood Properties has established itself as a leading real estate development and property management company. With corporate headquarters in New Jersey, the company is on a course of growth across the nation with many luxury properties already in New Jersey, Florida and California.
*Edgewood Properties is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
 
Marc LeVine


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
Division of Parks & Recreation: Updates
 
 

 


 
Senior Citizens Center: Events

HIDDEN TREASURES THRIFT SHOP
Store hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Come and enjoy the savings.

MS. BEY'S TAI CHI FOR HEALTH
Tai Chi is a low impact, relaxing form of exercise that can be completed in about 45 minutes per day. It is the Chinese form of art that focuses on the mental and spiritual aspects of movement. It consists of a series of movements that are slow and gentle and doesn't leave you feeling breathless. Join Ms. Bey every Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the fitness room.

11/30/2015
The members will be taking a van trip to the Jersey Gardens Mall at 10:30 a.m.
(Weather permitting)

12/1/2015
The members will be traveling to ShopRite at 12:30 p.m.

12/2/2015
Mayor's Meeting at 10:30 a.m.

12/4/2015
The students of Gill St. Bernard's return to the center to serve delicious soup and sandwiches to our members at 11:30 a.m.
 
SAVE THE DATE: THE HOLIDAY PARTY IS COMING
The annual holiday party will be held on Friday, December 11th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Washington Community School. Due to a lack of participation in our large catered events, the center staff requests that all updated Plainfield residents leave a $10.00 deposit to reserve their seat. Once you attend the event, your deposit will be refunded to you on the following Monday. To attend, non-Plainfield residents must pay $20.00 which is non-refundable. In order to ensure accurate attendance, all guests are asked to sign up in advance. If you require transport, please print your name, address and phone number on the East or West End ride list.
 
Plainfield: Events


 
Plainfield: YMCA


  
 
Plainfield Learning Center
How I Teach Kids to Love Science | Cesar Harada | TED Talks   
 
Published on Nov 18, 2015
At the Harbour School in Hong Kong, Cesar Harada teaches citizen science and invention to the next generation of environmentalists. He's moved his classroom into an industrial mega-space where imaginative kids work with wood, metal, chemistry, biology, optics and, occasionally, power tools to create solutions to the threats facing the world's oceans. There, he instills a universal lesson that his own parents taught him at a young age: "You can make a mess, but you have to clean up after yourself."
Union County Update:
Independent Foreclosure Review - Update 
Press Release from Union County Website:http://ucnj.org/press-releases/public-info/2015/11/23/independent-foreclosure-review-update/

November 19, 2015 Update: Borrowers of Federal Reserve supervised services may request a payment to be reissued in the name(s) on the record through December 31, 2015. These borrowers must cash or deposit their checks by March 31, 2016. In mid-2016, unclaimed funds to be redistributed to eligible borrowers of Federal Reserve supervised servicers who have cashed their checks.

Eligible borrowers whose loans were serviced by one of the Federal Reserve supervised servicers that reached an agreement to end the Independent Foreclosure Review in 2013 may request a payment to be reissued in the name(s) on the record through December 31, 2015. Requests to have a check reissued will not be processed after December 31, 2015. All outstanding checks must be cashed or deposited no later than March 31, 2016, in order to be paid.

In mid-2016, the Federal Reserve will direct the Paying Agent, Rust Consulting, Inc., to redistribute any funds remaining after March 31, 2016, to eligible borrowers of Federal Reserve supervised servicers who have cashed or deposited their checks. This direction will apply only to funds related to mortgage servicers supervised by the Federal Reserve.

Servicers covered include GMAC Mortgage, Goldman Sachs/Litton Loan Servicing, Morgan Stanley/Saxon Mortgage Services, and SunTrust. In addition, some borrowers whose loans were serviced by HSBC or JPMorgan Chase may be covered. HSBC and JPMorgan Chase borrowers should contact Rust Consulting at 1-888-952-9105 to determine whether their loan was serviced by the part of the servicing operations of those two companies that is regulated by the Federal Reserve.

Please call Rust Consulting by December 31, 2015 for further instructions on how to request your payment to be reissued. If you have already requested that your payment be reissued, please do not submit a new request.
If your loan was serviced by one of the mortgage servicers under the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's supervisory authority, please refer to the  OCC's website for additional information.
State of New Jersey: Train Riders Should Pay Extra to Fund Gateway Tunnel, Moody's Says
By   Larry Higgs | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com 
Email the author | Follow on Twitter 
on November 25, 2015 at 7:43 AM, updated November 25, 2015 at 8:53 AM 


One of the nation's leading financial rating agencies has weighed in on the Gateway Tunnel project, deeming it necessary to the regional economy and joined others who've suggested charging riders to help fund the project.
Moody's Investor's Service joined two other experts who suggested charging a user fee to commuters and travelers who make between 73 million and 100 million trips a year through the 105-year old tubes under the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey.

"A user fee, similar to U.S. airports passenger facility charge could generate $330 million annually for financing," Moody's wrote in an analysis of the Gateway project released on Tuesday. Airport passengers typically pay a $4.50 fee, the analysis said.

Moody's  joins Phil Beachem, executive director of the N.J. Alliance for Action, who proposed a user fee of $1 or $2 per trip on top of regular train fares  and by Jonathan Peters, a finance professor at SUNY College of Staten Island, who specializes in toll road and transportation financing. 

Moody's didn't question  the economic need for constructing new tunnels before one of the existing 105-year old tunnels has to be closed to repair damage from Hurricane Sandy flooding.

"While the tunnel will add significant cost to a region already paying for significant infrastructure investments, it provides a vital commuter link for a regional economy with a $1.4 trillion Gross Domestic project," Moody's said in the analysis.

Amtrak's Gateway project would include two new tunnels under the Hudson River to augment the existing two 105-year-old Amtrak tunnels, which NJ Transit also uses for all trains going into New York. The project also includes constructing two additional tracks between Newark and New York and replacing the Portal Bridge.

While the governors of New Jersey and New York committed to fund half the Gateway Tunnel project in September, Moody's questioned where the states share of the projected $20 billion cost would come from.

New Jersey's Transportation Trust Fund is out of revenue until a new source can be found and a state report questioned the TTF's can cover all its debt payments next year. New Jersey has $37 billion in outstanding debt, of that, $18.9 billion has  financed transportation projects through the TTF, Moody's analysis said.

New York is also in a funding pinch for capital projects, with ongoing construction of a new Tappan Zee bridge, building the Second Avenue subway in Manhattan and the East Side Access to bring Long Island Rail Road trains to Grand Central Terminal.   

While NJ Transit commuters ride 20 of the 24 trains an hour that use the during prime commuting times, riders also were just hit with a nine percent fare increase in October to close $56 million budget hole.  Experts and advocates said NJ Transit may have to seek another fare increase next year  because close to $400 million in funding has expired.

Moody's also suggested the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey could be a funding source for Gateway, as it was for the cancelled ARC project.  While the Port Authority is setting up the Gateway Development Corporation,  as proposed by state and federal officials, that doesn't come with guaranteed funding. 

"The authority could share in the financing costs for the project," Moody's wrote. "It is too soon to estimate any potential revenue sources that will be needed to fund construction."

Moody's suggested that the Port Authority, through the development corporation, could pursue low interest, Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing loans, Transportation Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act funding on behalf of the states. Moody's also suggested the PANYNJ led development corporation could enter in to a public-private  partnership to finance and speed the project.
Former Gov. Tom Kean and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker Discussion: Ways to Deal with Poverty in New Jersey

 


  
President Obama Speaks at a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Town Hall Meeting
 
Published on Nov 20, 2015
President Obama delivered remarks at a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative town hall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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Volume 2 - Issue 46