Safety Is First As Kids Go Back To School |
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Dear Friend,
Students across our nation are mobilizing to re-enter the classroom this fall, and it's our responsibility to do all we can to mitigate their risk of catching COVID.
As it pertains to COVID safety – this has to be a cooperative effort beginning with safety in the homes and radiating outward.
Recently, I issued an executive order mandating that all municipal employees should either be vaccinated or tested weekly, beginning September 7th. I commend the Superintendent of our school district for issuing a similar protocol for Board of Education employees. The fight against COVID must be cohesive and complementary across our City.
The district made many good decisions, including mandatory mask-wearing while inside school buildings, the social distancing of students according to the risk category, and a comprehensive contact tracing strategy. We recognize that social interaction is an essential aspect of schooling, and we don't want our children to miss out on this crucial learning component. However, safety and health must always come first, so I am heartened by this comprehensive policy covering most scenarios.
Parents must also be vigilant at home and take similar precautions to safeguard their children's health, themselves, and the community. It is futile for the city administration and the school district to implement safety measures against COVID if no caution is exercised at home.
While younger people seem to fare better against COVID, they are not immune, and many across the nation have fallen sick and succumbed fatally. We must protect our children and our community as they get ready to return to in-person schooling.
Please review good hygiene practices with especially the younger ones, before sending them back to school. Explain the benefits of wearing a mask while indoors. Limit their exposure while at home to keep them, their classmates, and the teachers healthy. We want them to have a happy, healthy, and productive semester and we want to continue to fight back against the COVID virus.
We have a shared responsibility in this fight against the virus, and if we all do our part, we can be safe, healthy and ultimately triumph over COVID.
The City offers free vaccines every Wednesday in front of city hall at the Black Lives Matter plaza. Everyone who is vaccinated and a Plainfield resident is eligible to win $5000.
Plainfield, let's continue to stand together, fight together, and win together.
#LovePlainfield, #AmoPlainfield
Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
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La Seguridad Es Lo Primero Mientras Los Niños Vuelven A La Escuela |
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Querido Friend,
Estudiantes a través de nuestro país se están movilizando para volver a ingresar a clases este otoño, y es nuestra responsabilidad hacer todo lo posible para mitigar su riesgo de contraer COVID.
En respecta a la seguridad contra COVID – esto tiene que ser un esfuerzo cooperativo comenzando con la seguridad en los hogares y avanzando hacia afuera.
Recientemente, emití una orden ejecutiva que ordena que todos los empleados municipales deben vacunarse o hacerse la prueba de COVID semanalmente, a partir del 7 de septiembre. Felicito al Superintendente de nuestro distrito escolar por emitir un protocolo similar para los empleados de la Junta de Educación. La lucha contra el COVID debe ser cohesiva y complementaria en toda nuestra Ciudad.
El distrito tomó muchas buenas decisiones, incluido el uso obligatorio de mascarillas mientras están dentro de los edificios escolares, el distanciamiento social de los estudiantes de acuerdo con la categoría de riesgo y una estrategia integral de rastreo de contactos. Reconocemos que la interacción social es un aspecto esencial de la escolarización, y no queremos que nuestros hijos se pierdan de este componente crucial de aprendizaje. Sin embargo, la seguridad y la salud siempre deben ser lo primero, por lo que me alienta esta política integral que abarca la mayoría de los escenarios.
Los padres también deben estar atentos en casa y tomar precauciones similares para salvaguardar la salud de sus hijos, ellos mismos y la comunidad. Es inútil que la administración de la ciudad y el distrito escolar implementen medidas de seguridad contra el COVID si no se tiene precaución en el hogar. Si bien a las personas más jóvenes, al parecer, les va mejor contra el COVID, no son inmunes, y muchos en todo el país se han enfermado y se han muerto. Debemos proteger a nuestros hijos y a nuestra comunidad a medida que se preparan para regresar a la educación en persona.
Por favor revise las buenas prácticas de higiene, especialmente con los más jóvenes, antes de enviarlos de vuelta a la escuela. Explique los beneficios de usar una máscara mientras están en los interiores. Limite su exposición mientras están en casa para mantenerlos sanos a ellos, a sus compañeros de clase y a los maestros. Queremos que tengan un semestre feliz, saludable y productivo y queremos seguir luchando contra el virus COVID.
Tenemos una responsabilidad compartida en esta lucha contra el virus, y si todos hacemos nuestra parte, podemos estar seguros, sanos y, en última instancia, triunfar sobre el COVID.
La Ciudad ofrece vacunas gratuitas todos los miércoles frente la municipalidad de Plainfield en la plaza Black Lives Matter. Todos los que se vacunan contra COVID y residente en Plainfield son elegibles para ganar $5000.
Plainfield, sigamos juntos, luchemos juntos y ganemos juntos.
#LovePlainfield, #AmoPlainfield
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.
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COVID-19 BACK TO SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS |
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On August 6th Governor Phil Murphy announced that all students, educators, staff, and visitors will be required to wear face masks indoors for the start of the 2021-2022 school year. The Governor signed Executive Order (EO) 251, which will mandate masking in the indoor premises of all public, private, and parochial preschool, elementary, and secondary school buildings, with limited exceptions. The EO is effective on Monday, August 9, 2021.
In recent weeks, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Academy of Pediatrics have called for students to wear masks due to the increasing prevalence of the Delta COVID-19 variant, the ineligibility of those under 12 for vaccination, and a rise in pediatric COVID-19 cases.
“We understand that students learn best in a classroom setting and remain committed to having our schools open for full-time, in-person instruction this fall,” said Governor Murphy. “While this announcement gives us no pleasure, I know that by taking this precaution we can keep our schools open while also keeping our children safe. We will continue to closely monitor the science and data and will lift this mandate when we can do so safely. I urge those who are eligible for vaccination but have yet to be vaccinated to act and help move our state in the right direction.”
While masks will be broadly required in school buildings for the coming school year, exceptions will remain unchanged from the 2020-2021 school year, and include:
- When doing so would inhibit the individual’s health, such as when the individual is exposed to extreme heat indoors;
- When the individual has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a face covering without assistance;
- When a student’s documented medical condition or disability, as reflected in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Educational Plan pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, precludes use of a face covering;
- When the individual is under two (2) years of age;
- When an individual is engaged in an activity that cannot be performed while wearing a mask, such as eating and drinking or playing an instrument that would be obstructed by the face covering;
- When the individual is engaged in high-intensity aerobic or anerobic activity;
- When a student is participating in high-intensity physical activities during a physical education class in a well-ventilated location and able to maintain a physical distance of six feet from all other individuals; or
- When wearing a face covering creates an unsafe condition in which to operate equipment or execute a task.
Although kids are much less likely than adults to get seriously ill from COVID-19, pediatricians are reporting a worrying trend - more children are being hospitalized with the coronavirus than at any point during the pandemic. And as kids go back to school, doctors fear things could get worse, especially since the vaccine is not currently authorized for kids under 12.
As a community we must come together and work collectively to keep our students, teachers and other staff members safe. Wear a mask, it could save your life.
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THE WAR ON COVID WITH
DR. RAMON ARSCOTT
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Dr. Ramon Arscott is a Jamaican Rhodes Scholar whose academic background and family story read like the model student's guidebook. He was an 'A' student and athlete at Mona Preparatory, excelled later as an all-rounder at Campion College where he represented the school at Champs, and went on to become president of the Medical Students' Association at the University of the West Indies (UWI) - a title he held from his second year until his graduation in 2005.
He also founded the University's first chapter of the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations, and maintained a post on the UWI Students' Guild with future nation-building advocates Damion Crawford and Floyd Green.
On leaving the UWI, Arscott was awarded the Rhodes Scholarship, and during his time at Oxford led Lincoln College's Middle Common Room (student body) as president, later becoming the College's Junior Dean. The next stop was Harvard, where Arscott's indefatigable work ethic and boundless energy combined to secure his positions with the ASPS, which have lately added a new dimension to his training as a medical academic.
“I wanted to get a window into the inner sanctum as to how leadership in this field runs in American society; [to develop] more of a skill set in the field that I can take back home, [and] expand the network that I can draw on when I leave the United States and push the Caribbean agenda where I can. We put on this course called the essentials of leadership…the [ASPS] invited the elected chairs of the different committees to this two-part course. So far it's phenomenal...in June we go to DC to meet with Congress to discuss the Affordable Health Care Act and where we fit in with advocacy, so now I'm really learning different skill sets in leadership, justice and in society.”
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CITY OF PLAINFIELD | VACCINE
LOTTERY REMINDER AND VACCINE
CLINIC LOCATIONS
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The Vaccine Lottery was created to incentivize unvaccinated residents to do so. As we begin to get back to normal we are aware of the "delta variant" which is more transmissible and causes more severe symptoms than the original strain of COVID-19.
If you are not vaccinated it is easy to receive the vaccine and keep yourself and your family protected. Address any concerns with your health care provider.
You can be vaccinated through the City of Plainfield, Union County, or the Neighborhood Health Center with any approved vaccine and have a chance to win $5,000.
- Participants must be 18 years or older and proof of Plainfield residency is required.
- Entry tickets will be available at the vaccine location.
- Four (4) winners will be drawn monthly beginning in August.
- Mayor Adrian O. Mapp will select the lucky winners on the second Friday of each month.
- Please note - the lottery is for residents who have NOT yet been vaccinated.
Continue to stay safe.
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Vacúnese a través de la Ciudad de Plainfield, el Condado de Union o el Centro de Salud del Vecindario con cualquier vacuna aprobada y tenga la oportunidad de ganar $5,000. Participantes deben tener 18 años o más y se requiere prueba de residencia en Plainfield.
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We are committed to keeping our residents and community safe. Listed below are pop-up vaccine clinic locations throughout the City.
Please be aware that there is a vaccine clinic every Wednesday through September 29th conveniently located in front of City Hall - 515 Watchung Avenue.
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2021 PLAINFIELD
FOOD FESTIVAL
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The City of Plainfield hosted its second Food Festival event from August 13-22, 2021. Food choices ranged from food trucks to Latin America to West Indian to treats and desserts. We hope to see you again next year! |
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MUSIC IN THE PLAZA EVENT POSTPONED FOR SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 |
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Due to the impending inclement weather forecast for Saturday, we are postponing this week's Music in the Plaza Series. A new date and time will be communicated next week. We appreciate your understanding. Enjoy your weekend! |
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SAVE THE DATES | UPCOMING EVENTS |
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CITY OF PLAINFIELD SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE |
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The City of Plainfield began accepting applications for the Plainfield Small Business Recovery (PSBR) Grant on Monday, August 23, 2021 . As we seek to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we recognize that small businesses continue to be critical to economic success of the Queen City. Awardees may receive between $5,000.00 and $10,000.00 for rental assistance, equipment replacement or repair, utilities and other overhead costs, and/or assistance with wages.
To qualify for the PSBR Grant, business applicants must meet the following criteria:
· Applicants must be a registered New Jersey Business having an address in the City of Plainfield (Excluding P.O. Box Mailing Addresses)
· Applicants must classify as a small business with annual revenue of $5 Million (or less) and/or 50 employees (or less) (Applicants may be a franchise that is not currently receiving assistance from parent company)
· Applicants must be able to adequately indicate hardship/impact as a result of the Covid19 Pandemic
Please contact the Economic Development Department at 908-753-3580 for further information.
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AVAILABLE RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS |
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Attention Plainfield!
Do you need Rental Assistance?
There is no need to struggle alone. Union County offers a variety of Rental Programs for you. Please refer to the link below for more information.
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Available Pilot Grant Programs | Due Date
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
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There are currently two (2) Grant Programs available through the City of Plainfield.
The City of Plainfield Social Services Offers A Grant Program for Non-Profit Organizations
The purpose of the City's nonprofit pilot grant program is to strengthen the City's coordination with nonprofit partners and to ensure opportunities for local funds be leveraged most effectively for services that assist vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and families in meeting critical needs for safety, health, security, and independence.
The City of Plainfield prioritizes investment in high-quality social services that provide documented and positive outcomes for City residents. Areas of Need Organizations interested in applying to receive funds from the City of Plainfield must provide a program or service impacting one or more of the Areas of Need established by Mayor Adrian O. Mapp in consultation with the Department of Health & Social Services.
The Four Areas of Need are:
Prevention and Self-Sufficiency: Services focused on assisting individuals and families in becoming and/or remaining independent and stable and providing tools, skills, strategies, and resources to individuals and families.
Crisis Intervention and Diversion: Services provided to individuals and families in crisis help overcome immediate problems and reduce or prevent the need for more restrictive and expensive higher-level services.
Long-term Support: Services that focus on assisting individuals with continued long-term support needed to remain healthy, safe, and independent in the community.
Improved Quality of Social Services: Services and opportunities provided to individuals, organizations, and communities that enhance the quality, accessibility, accountability, and coordination of services offered by community organizations.
CLICK HERE for application and additional information
The City of Plainfield Offers A Rental
Assistance Grant Program
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) program provides emergency rental assistance grants to income-eligible households economically impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic through job loss, furlough, or reduction in hours or pay, residing in eligible areas of Plainfield, New Jersey.
Emergency Assistance grant is a rental and/or utility payment made on behalf of an income-eligible household for a maximum of 4 months to maintain utility service and reduce rental payment delinquency in arrears due to the economic downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic.
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (ARP) ELIGIBILITY for Housing Assistance Eligible Households must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Renters are residing in single-family or multi-unit located in the eligible area of Plainfield, NJ.
2. Annual household income does not exceed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) established "Moderate-Income" limits. Household income eligibility is based on the following two (2) factors:
a. The total number of persons residing in the household; and
b. The total amount of the annual household income.
3. They are economically impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic period beginning March 27, 2020, to the present.
4. Current residential lease agreement. If this is not available, the landlord's general ledger identifying tenant transactions may be considered to verify tenancy.
5. The household does not receive any other forms of rental subsidies.
6. Completed W-9 form and an N.J. Business Registration Certificate (if applicable) from bona fide landlord/property management agent or company.
7. A signed Program Participation-Payment Acceptance form from a bona fide landlord/property management agent or company.
8. Confirmed current rental balance.
CLICK HERE for application and additional information
The deadline to return both applications is Tuesday, August 31 at 4:00 pm.
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REMINDER: Grace Period for Third Quarter Tax Bills Ends on August 31st
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Attention Property Owners:
Please be advised that the tax bills are in the mail.
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This bill is the final bill for 2021 3rd and 4th quarters and an estimate for the 2022 1st and 2nd quarters.
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Due to the late release of the bills the 3rd quarter grace period has been extended to August 31, 2021.
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If it is paid after August 31 interest will accrue from August 1st in accordance with State Statute.
The other due dates are as follows:
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4th Quarter due November 1st and you have until November 10th to pay without interest.
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1st Quarter due February 1st and you have until February 10th to pay without interest.
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2nd Quarter due May 1st and you have until May 10th to pay without interest.
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If the 10th falls on a weekend or holiday the due date will be the next business day.
- You can now print a Tax Bill from the City web site Plainfieldnj.gov
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You can also pay with a credit card on the website. There is a 2% convenience fee for this service.
- You can also pay with an ACH transfer from your checking account to the City's account on our website and that remains a free service.
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#LOVEPLAINFIELD | #AMOPLAINFIELD
SPOTLIGHT
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Look What's New!!!! Love Plainfield Street Pole Banners will be installed throughout the City. A reminder of the Love Shared here in the Queen City.
#LovePlainfieldNJ #LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield
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UNION COUNTY: Pop-Up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics and Testing in Union County in August and September
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Free COVID-19 shots and saliva testing to be provided to residents at events in Hillside, Elizabeth and Scotch Plains |
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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents that free COVID-19 vaccines and testing will be available at convenient pop-up clinics throughout the County during the months of August and September. The upcoming clinics will be held in Hillside, Elizabeth and Scotch Plains.
All residents are strongly urged to get their vaccine as soon as possible as new strains of the virus emerge and spread. Third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for residents who are immunocompromised will also be available at the upcoming mobile clinics.
In addition to free vaccinations, residents can also get a free COVID-19 saliva test at any of the pop-up clinics. Residents can also get vaccinated for COVID-19 at Union County’s permanent vaccine clinics in Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Union Township.
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Establishing School and Small Business Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program Fund
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75% of Fund Dedicated to Schools, 25% of Fund Dedicated to Women and
Minority Owned Small Businesses
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TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy today signed legislation (S-3995) that establishes a fund administered by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) which will provide grants to schools and small businesses for the assessment, repair, upgrading, and replacement of HVAC systems and plumbing fixtures and appliances that fail to meet efficiency and health standards. The program is backed by $180 million in American Rescue Plan funds appropriated in the FY 2022 Appropriations Act.
“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed an emergent need for the repair or replacement of critical items such as HVAC systems and plumbing systems in schools and small businesses across our state,” said Governor Murphy. “With the help of the Biden Administration and our Congressional delegation, as well as our partners in the Legislature, we are able to fund these much needed efforts to repair or replace these systems in the places that need it most. I am proud to sign this legislation that will address a longstanding need in communities in New Jersey.”
“Improving the energy efficiency of schools and small businesses will play an important role in meeting Governor Murphy’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “In too many cases outdated energy infrastructure is not only expensive, it can also create an unhealthy indoor environment, particularly during the COVID pandemic. In addition to the health and economic factors, this program will provide a boost to the state’s clean energy economy by creating jobs and enhancing small businesses.”
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FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
A Proclamation on Women's Equality Day 2021
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Today, we celebrate Women’s Equality Day, a reminder not only of the progress women have won through the years, but of the important work that remains to be done. One hundred and one years ago, the ratification of the 19th Amendment moved our Nation one essential step closer to fulfilling its foundational promise — establishing at long last that no American’s right to vote could be denied or abridged on the basis of gender. As we reflect on the decades-long effort to win the fight for universal suffrage, we also remember the women of color who helped lead the movement to ratify the 19th Amendment, whose own rights would still be denied for years to come despite their hard-earned victory. We celebrate their extraordinary courage and resolve, and rededicate ourselves to the work we still have ahead of us to protect voting rights across our country.
When the 19th Amendment was ratified, millions of women across the country could finally make their voices heard at the ballot box. But even with its ratification, millions were denied those rights by law or by practice through poll taxes, literacy tests, and campaigns of violence and terror that targeted voters of color. It took another 45 years before the Voting Rights Act secured the voting rights of millions of Americans of color, and an additional 10 years before voting protections would reflect the many languages Americans speak.
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Issue or Concern ? Report it |
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and the City of Plainfield are committed to making it as easy as possible to report concerns in our city. To that end, we've partnered with REPORT IT, which is now live in Plainfield and ready to be used as an important supplemental reporting tool.
Report it makes community reporting easier than ever! Residents and visitors can download the app by scanning the barcode above or by going to your phone's app store. Your reports will be submitted to the appropriate city department, and the city will work to resolve the issue or complaint.
You have the power to be the eyes and ears of our city! Your reports can greatly increase the quality of life in Plainfield. Let's work together to keep our city safe- If you see it, say it with Report It.
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As we navigate these uncertain times please know that everyone at City Hall is working to ensure that you are safe, secure and healthy. If you need anything addition please contact us at 908.753.3000
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Please have family and friends sign up to receive these important weekly updates. They can sign up by calling 908.753.3015 or emailing communications@plainfieldnj.gov
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One Plainfield. One Future |
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