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In order to advance or even maintain America's standing in today's global economy, we must find better ways to use the resources at our disposal to educate and nurture our young people. Further, we must reach all of them in order to grow our national prosperity and ensure the well-being of our families and communities.
In seeking solutions, schools and youth organizations must work together with leaders and members of the community. With shrinking budgets and increasing demands for results, schools are finding themselves being pushed to the limit, and this is having a direct impact on the quality education and guidance, which our youth receive. Especially those who live in economically challenged areas.
I have been seeking and bringing to the table mentors, sponsors, and information on resources in my ongoing commitment to stand by our youth. My administration has actively sought routes to college scholarships and guidance for those who may be somewhat confused about the process, and shared this information along with counselors / mentors who can offer support through the process. We also provide wholesome recreational activities and other resources for our young people as we realize that fostering trust nurtures learning, and physical and intellectual growth go hand in hand. This will ultimately result in a community of responsible, well-rounded adults.
Our youths need effective schools and supportive communities. Community leaders must lead the charge in acting as allies to the schools and families with challenges. If we fail to provide the resources and guidance necessary then we not only fail our youth but we begin to dissipate the very fabric of our community. By supporting families and schools, we lead our youth by example and lay the foundation for the continuation of healthy communities.
Creating One Plainfield - One Future,
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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The Mapp App is Here! Get the Mapp App Today!
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The Mapp administration is proud to announce the first ever City of Plainfield Mobile app... The Mapp App... The First of its Kind
The Mapp App combines functionality and style to bring you up to the minute news and updates on what's happening in the Queen City.
- Unsure of what's taking place around town just click on the EVENTS button
- Need directions to a City building - the app will provide turn by turn directions, whether you're walking or driving.
- Want to know when the next City Council meeting is? The app has it
- Hungry and want to know where the best restaurants are around town? You guessed it... the app has that
- Want to contact the Mayor's office? It's all there within app one-touch calling - no need to get out of the app to dial the number.
- Need to pay a ticket and no time to get to the court - you can pay right on the app.
- Notice a really bad pothole - click the "Service Needed Potholes" button - take a picture and it will send an email directly to the City.
- Want to stay up to date on the latest redevelopment projects? The app has it.
- There's an emergency and the Mayor needs to send an urgent message to all residents - you wont be left out because it will pop up right on your phone.
The app is loaded with everything you need to make life easier as you navigate your way around Plainfield.
But don't just take our word for it - download it today!
You can find the Mapp App on the Apple iTunes Store
and on Google Play for Android.
To find it type in "Mapp App" or "City of Plainfield" in the search box.
Once it pops up, just hit the "download" or "install" button to get it on your device.
You can also use your phones QR scanner and scan the codes below to be taken directly to the app. Choose the code based on the device you have.
Get ready to have Plainfield unfold in your hands!
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On Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2015, the CIty of Plainfield and residents took the opportunity to honor our veterans who have served our country, and their families who know their sacrifices all so well.
Since 1954, Veterans Day has been a day to remember and recognize veterans from the first World War and for all those who have stood up to defend our country and freedoms in conflicts that have followed.
- Some key facts: An astounding half of New Jersey's veterans are aged 65 and over, with elderly veterans who served in World War II, Korea, or Vietnam.
- In addition, more than 100,000 New Jersey veterans have served in conflicts in the Middle East.
- Unfortunately, New Jersey has the second-highest unemployment rate for veterans in 2015.
We must come together and find solutions to ensure employment and training opportunities are available for our veterans, as New Jersey has the second highest employment rate for veterans. Our heroes have earned these benefits defending our country, and we need to help them with opportunities and resources so they can retire with dignity.
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Save the Date! Mayor's Town Hall
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Plainfield Flood Maps Update
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Presentation
The Administration held a City meeting updating the residents of Plainfield on the topic of Flood Maps.
Representatives from consultant Hatch Mott McDonald, and Pennoni Associates presented their progress on Plainfield's flood maps.
Below is some information from the engineer's presentation.
Also, there is a link for the entire presentation below.
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Economic Development: Update
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The City of Plainfield presents its First Public Mural Art as it launches its Mural Arts Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Plainfield, New Jersey - The City of Plainfield's Department of Community Development announces a brand new mural project to reflect Plainfield's diversity and the first public mural as part of their Mural Arts Program. It will be installed in the Queen's Courtyard which is located at 112-16 East Front Street and 107-17 Park Avenue. The mural features the artistry of Mr. Sterling Brown who has been described as "one of the nation's most prolific poster artists and in top demand on the African American art circuit." It is anticipated that the mural will be completed in November 2015.
The City of Plainfield is proud to unveil its first Public Arts Mural to the City of Plainfield in conjunction with a local business, Talent4Survival. "As proud recipients of the prestigious and competitive statewide 2015 New Jersey Smart Growth Award, I believe the installation of Plainfield's first Public Art Mural will complement and enhance our exciting downtown area," said Mayor Adrian O. Mapp.
The Mural Arts Committee consist of eight (8) Plainfield residents and employees of diverse backgrounds and cultures. The idea for the project began in February 2015 when employees attended a Special Events Forum at the Rutgers Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. They learned how the Mural Arts Program in many cities increased revenue and enhanced community Relations. Throughout the country, we have seen an urban transformation through art and Plainfield is optimistic that this momentum will continue across the city.
Should you request additional information, please contact the Department of Community Development at: 908-753-3610.
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Public Affairs and Safety: Update
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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
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Division of Parks & Recreation: Updates
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15th Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration
The City of Plainfield is sponsoring its 15th Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration. Come and join the City of Plainfield for a Celebration of Family, Community and Culture featuring African Storytelling, a Traditional Candle Ceremony, Spoken Word, and Cultural Food. Located at the Emerson School, 305 Emerson Ave., Plainfield, NJ, the event is free. Doors will open at 12:00 PM, December 19 for shopping at the African Market. Official ceremonies start at 1:00 PM.
For more information, please contact the Division of Parks and Recreation at
[email protected]
or 908-753-3097.
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Senior Citizens Center: Events
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Advisory Board and Friends of the Center meeting
- Tuesday, November
17
th at 10:00 a.m.
Stone Square Masonic Lodge Pre-Thanksgiving Luncheon Sizzling -
Wednesday, November 18
th
at 12:00 Noon
Stone Soup - Friday, November 20
th at 11:30 a.m.
Monthly Birthday Party - Friday, November 20
th at 12:00 Noon
Thanksgiving Day Dinner - Thursday, November 26
th from 11:30 a.m. -
2:00 p.m.
SAVE THESE DECEMBER DATES:
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5
TH FOR THE CENTER'S ANNUAL HOLIDAY BAZAAR
FROM 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11
TH
FOR THE CENTER'S ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY
FROM 5:00 - 10:00 PM AT WASHINGTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL
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The Plainfield YMCA - A Lifesaving Community Organization Since 1872
By VICTORIA CARUSO
October 31, 2015 at 4:00 AM
PLAINFIELD, NJ - For over 140 years, the Plainfield YMCA has been working to strengthen and meet the needs of the community and surrounding areas. Established in 1872 - just five years after Plainfield Township itself was founded and located at 518 Watchung Avenue since 1929 - the Plainfield Y is much more than a recreation and wellness center.
While the Plainfield YMCA does feature an indoor heated swimming pool, basketball courts, running track, fitness center and free-weight room, it also serves as a community leader in social services, providing much-needed assistance and support to low-income families.
Click Here for Entire Article
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Plainfield Learning Center
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Why Medicine Often Has Dangerous Side Effects for Women | Alyson McGregor | TED Talks
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Published on Nov 5, 2015
For most of the past century, drugs approved and released to market have been tested only on male patients, leading to improper dosing and unacceptable side effects for women. The important physiological differences between men and women have only recently been taken into consideration in medical research. Emergency doctor Alyson McGregor studies these differences, and in this fascinating talk she discusses the history behind how the male model became our framework for medical research and how understanding differences between men and women can lead to more effective treatments for both sexes.
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Union County Update:
Master Gardeners Celebrate Outstanding Volunteers
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Press Release from Union County Website: http://ucnj.org/press-releases/public-info/2015/11/06/master-gardeners-celebrate-outstanding-volunteers/
Union County, NJ - The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County have been part of the Union County community for almost 30 years, and last month the outstanding members of this all volunteer program received some well-deserved recognition from their peers, and Joint Legislative Resolutions in their honor from the New Jersey Senate and Assembly.
"Every year our Master Gardener volunteers enrich the lives of hundreds of residents, and on behalf of the Board I would like to thank each of them for their dedication to improving the quality of life in our Union County community," said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, who attended the group's 27th annual Volunteer Recognition celebration in September.
The joint resolution was introduced by Assemblywoman Annette Quijano and supported by Senator Raymond Lesniak and Assemblyman Jamel Holley. It reads in part:
Throughout many seasons of change and countless hours of volunteer service, the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County have worked tirelessly and effectively in benefit of the community and are recognized and saluted for their exemplary dedication and motivation.
"For many years, the Master Gardeners have worked behind the scenes to improve our neighborhoods and help others," said Assemblywoman Annette Quijano. "It's a real pleasure to bring attention to their efforts."
Anyone can join the Master Gardeners. The program is run by Rutgers University experts through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, supported in part by the Freeholder board. No previous experience in horticulture - or gardening - is needed. Each volunteer receives University-level training leading to certification as a Master Gardener. A nominal fee covers the cost of the training course.
The 2015 honorees included 11 Master Gardeners who reached or far surpassed the 500-hour service milestone, as well as 20 newly certified Master Gardeners, each of whom logged at least 60 hours of volunteer service after completing a training program.
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State of New Jersey: Immigration Ruling a Huge Blow to NJ -Opinion
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on November 12, 2015 at 6:30 PM, updated November 12, 2015 at 10:36 PM
By Erika J. Nava
A federal court's ruling against President Barack Obama's 2014 executive actions on immigration represents a big step backward, and the triumph of the politics of fear over pragmatic solutions.
While the ruling, handed down Monday, will be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans hang in the balance.
More than 200,000 undocumented New Jerseyans, and nearly 5 million people nationwide, won't be able to obtain crucial work permits and have protection from deportation thanks to the Fifth Circuit's ruling. As a result, these Garden State residents will remain in the shadows, unable to fully contribute to the state's economy and unable to live a life without constant fear. And New Jersey loses out on the economic benefits these policies would bring, as well.
Despite the rhetoric, the president's actions were a few small but workable steps forward - ones that should have received broad bipartisan support. They would have allowed many parents of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, as well as more young people who came to the U.S. before they were 16, to apply for work authorization and protection from deportation. This policy approach was not the much-discussed "path to citizenship," nor would it have opened up state or federal government benefits to these immigrants.
Yet leaders from 26 states chose to block the president simply because he took action without Congress. And New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie backed them up, filing a legal brief in support of their efforts.
The opponents hinged their legal case on the dubious claim that the president's actions would cause fiscal harm to the states, which would be tasked with issuing driver's licenses to eligible and interested immigrants. This narrow argument fails to account for the fact that states could easily increase the cost of licenses to cover the new expenses. But more importantly it completely ignores the fact that the executive actions would actually boost - not depress - state revenues.
In fact, New Jersey would collect more taxes under this executive action on immigration. Currently, undocumented residents are paying $613 million a year in state and local taxes - a number that would increase by $29 million under the Obama administration's executive actions. This is the seventh-largest bump of the 50 states, reinforcing how much New Jersey has to gain from efforts to make the country's immigration system more pragmatic.
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Congresswoman Watson Coleman: Announces New Bill to Improve Vets' Access to Healthcare
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Press Release from Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman's website: https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/watson-coleman-announces-new-bill-improve-vets-access-healthcare
Ewing, NJ (November 11, 2015) - During remarks at Mercer County Community College's Veterans Day Program today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced new legislation aimed at improving veterans' access to health care and simultaneously addressing the closure of medical centers in underserved areas.
The Veterans Affairs Public-Private Leasing Partnership Study Act of 2015 would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to study the feasibility of entering into public-private partnership agreements with underused medical facilities, particularly in urban and rural areas, allowing veterans to receive care without needing to travel long distances to VA hospital facilities. In the process, hospitals struggling to stay open would have more patients to serve, increasing economic activity in those communities.
"This legislation would offer a combined solution to two major challenges - improving access to care for veterans, and keeping hospitals open in communities struggling economically," said Watson Coleman. "Veterans frequently travel long distances, and over state lines, to get care. Some of them rely on public transportation, but are required to get to VA facilities only accessible by car. If there are ways to offer the same or better treatment and care for our veterans closer to their homes, while also keeping our hospitals open, we can't afford not to take advantage of it."
The VA Public-Private Leasing Partnership Study Act of 2015 would give the VA 180 days to study the usefulness and potential impact of partnerships with struggling hospitals, determining if such partnerships would broaden access to veterans. Further, the bill would require the VA to:
- Assess veterans' current access to Veterans Health Administration facilities in densely populated and rural communities, and issues hindering access;
- Assess the feasibility of entering leasing agreements with non-Department facilities and;
- Evaluate the impact of Congressional approval on leases, including the potential for delayed access.
Original cosponsors of the bill currently include Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (NJ-10), and Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI).
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President Obama: Forms Second Emergency Board in NJ Transit Labor Disbute
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on November 12, 2015 at 4:36 PM, updated November 12, 2015 at 5:32 PM
WASHINGTON - President Obama on Thursday announced the formation of new three-member board to try to resolve a labor dispute between NJ Transit and its labor unions.
Under the order, the transit system and 12 of its unions will have 30 days to submit their suggestions to resolve the impasse. The board then will report to the president within 30 days with what it feels is "the most reasonable offer."
This is the second 60-day cooling-off period, after which time the employees, working under expired labor contracts, can walk out. While the report is not binding, the side whose order is not selected would be unable to receive certain benefits if a strike does occur.
The three board members are chair Joshua Javits, founder of Dispute Resolution Services and a former chair of the National Mediation Board; Elizabeth Neumeier, an arbitrator and former counsel for the Association of Flight Attendants; and Nancy E. Peace, former executive director of the Massachusetts Education Partnership.
"I appreciate that these dedicated individuals have agreed to devote their talent and years of experience working on labor-management disputes to help reach a swift and smooth resolution of this issue," Obama said in a statement.
NJ Transit and its unions rejected recommendations from an earlier board
impaneled in July, the president said in his order. That action came after
the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen unanimously voted to strike unless the president formed the board. Both the union and the railroad requested the board.
"Consistent with NJ Transit's request, we understand the President has invoked a Second Presidential Emergency Board," said Nancy Snyder, an NJ Transit spokeswoman. "We welcome their assistance in resolving this matter."
Union officials have said they don't want to strike but want contracts in line with what employees of neighboring transit systems, such as the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North have gotten. NJ Transit has said it can't afford it, especially after just raising fares 9 percent and cutting some service
to close a $60 million budget gap.
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