Dear Friend,
In March of last year, we were tested as a city, a nation, and people. The world suddenly shrunk, and even as we distanced, we realized that we had to unite as we fought a common enemy and shared a similar destiny. For the first time in our lifetimes, we could fully empathize and understand our neighbors' grief and loss. We shared our COVID experiences, good and bad, through virtual platforms, and together, we anxiously awaited positive news as the year dragged on. We typically celebrate Spring as a fresh renewal, but in 2020 it was the beginning of the long, cold winter of COVID.
I'm sure you remember the constant reminders to stay home unless necessary, wash your hands as many times as possible, wear masks, and social distance if you had to be around others. We spent months in isolation, away from our family and friends, withdrawn from our usual routines, and forced to adapt to a new way of life almost overnight. The beautiful days of Spring, which in themselves are symbols of renewal and regrowth, were primarily spent inside.
Thankfully, we have been spared to see another spring, and things have taken a turn for the better. While we're not yet entirely out of the woods, there is hope for days of companionship and freedom ahead. Because of the vaccines, which a year ago today seemed so far away, many of us can meet once again with our friends and loved ones. We're able to visit restaurants, take walks, and do all the things that we took for granted before the onslaught of the virus.
Before we know it, the Plainfield pools that our children love will be open and be ready for fun in the sun. The freshly renovated Rushmore Recreational Complex will also be available for residents of all ages to enjoy. This will allow our community to stay active, healthy, and content. The Love Plainfield movement promises community solidarity and unity following a year of separation and distance. The events we have prepared for you will be equally safe and enjoyable.
Hopefully, what we have to gain this year goes beyond just being able to go outside. Last year allowed us to reflect, cleanse, and appreciate the simple things in life, which are usually the most important. We saw how fragile life is; this realization could open the doors of love and compassion now more than ever.
The winter of COVID was long and cold, but the Spring today and summer ahead will slowly melt it away. I continue to urge you to wear your face masks, social distance, and avoid large crowds. I encourage you to get tested for COVID-19 if you're experiencing symptoms. However, I am hopeful that every resident will get vaccinated as soon as possible so we can enjoy the renewal of Spring and brighter days ahead without worry.
Creating One Plainfield. One Future
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La Renovación de la Primavera |
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Querido Plainfield,
En marzo del año pasado, nos pusieron a prueba como ciudad, nación y pueblo. El mundo se encogió repentinamente, e incluso mientras nos distanciamos, nos dimos cuenta de que teníamos que unirnos mientras luchábamos contra un enemigo común y compartíamos un destino similar. Por primera vez en nuestras vidas, pudimos sentir empatía y comprender plenamente el dolor y la pérdida de nuestros vecinos. Compartimos nuestras experiencias sobre el COVID-19, buenas y malas, a través de plataformas virtuales, y juntos, esperábamos ansiosamente noticias positivas a medida que avanzaba el año. Por lo general, celebramos la primavera como una nueva renovación, pero en 2020 fue el comienzo del largo y frío invierno de COVID.
Estoy seguro de que recuerdas los constantes recordatorios de quedarte en casa a menos que sea necesario, lavarte las manos tantas veces como sea posible, usar máscaras, y distanciar socialmente si tuvieras que estar cerca de otras personas. Pasamos meses aislados, lejos de nuestra familia y amigos, apartados de nuestras rutinas habituales, y obligados a adaptarnos a una nueva forma de vida casi de la noche a la mañana. Los hermosos días de primavera, que en sí mismos son símbolos de renovación y rebrote, se pasaron principalmente en el interior.
Afortunadamente, nos hemos librado de ver otra primavera y las cosas han mejorado. Si bien aún no estamos completamente fuera de peligro, hay esperanzas de días de compañerismo y libertad por delante. Por las vacunas, que hoy hace un año parecían tan lejanas, muchos de nosotros podemos reencontrarnos con nuestros amigos y seres queridos. Podemos visitar restaurantes, pasear y hacer todas las cosas que dábamos por sentado antes del ataque del virus.
Antes de que nos demos cuenta, las piscinas de Plainfield que a nuestros niños les encantan estarán abiertas y estarán listas para divertirse bajo el sol. El Complejo Recreativo Rushmore recientemente renovado también estará disponible para que lo disfruten los residentes de todas las edades. Esto permitirá que nuestra comunidad se mantenga activa, saludable y contenta. El movimiento Love Plainfield, o, Amo Plainfield, promete solidaridad y unidad comunitaria después de un año de separación y distancia. Los eventos que hemos preparado para ti serán igualmente seguros y agradables.
Con suerte, lo que tenemos que ganar este año va más allá de poder salir. El año pasado nos permitió reflexionar, desahogar, y apreciar las cosas simples de la vida, que suelen ser las más importantes. Vimos lo frágil que es la vida; esta comprensión podría abrir las puertas del amor y la compasión ahora más que nunca.
El invierno de COVID fue largo y frío, pero la primavera y el verano que están entre nosotros lo están derritiendo lentamente. Sigo instándote a que uses máscaras faciales, distanciamiento social y evites las reuniones grandes. Te animo a que te hagas la prueba de COVID-19 si tienes síntomas. Sin embargo, tengo la esperanza de que todos los residentes se vacunen lo antes posible para que podamos disfrutar de la renovación de la primavera y de los días más brillantes que se avecinan sin preocupaciones.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.
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Celebrating 50 Years of Giving With
The Star Fish Food Pantry
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"Life's most persistent and urgent question is - what are you doing for others"
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Star Fish Food Pantry has been a part of the fabric of Plainfield for fifty years! Fifty years of lending a helping hand and being of service to the community.
Earlier today Mayor Adrian O. Mapp was joined by Councilwoman Joylette Mills-Ransome, Executive Director Patricia Bixel along with board members and volunteers as a Proclamation was presented to recognize their contribution as well as their tireless work to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
They had already prepared more than 50 bags with food supplies for the Plainfield Security Food Project and were in the process of preparing 48 packages with snacks, toiletries and socks for two (2) adult homes on Central Ave.
Congratulations to Star Fish Food Pantry on this monumental milestone and we look forward to another fifty years!
Click Here to learn more about the Star Fish Food Pantry
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SAVE THE DATE
City Council Meeting on April 12
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#LOVEPLAINFIELD | #AMOPLAINFIELD
SPOTLIGHT
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Showing Love in Plainfield #LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield |
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#LovePlainfield Reporting and Nominations |
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REPORTING AND NOMINATING
We’re pleased to share that REPORT IT is a proud sponsor of #LovePlainfield
We have added a new Category called Love Plainfield to the App. You can send in your pictures and report when you catch people in the act of showing love to someone or to our city.
You see someone pick up litter on the street and throw it into a trashcan. Snap a pic – send a report and nominate them for a Love Plainfield award. If you see someone lending a helping hand to an elderly person – snap a pic and send a report.
There are a million ways to show and spread love around our city and now the Report It app will help us capture it because our LovePlainfield Ambassadors can’t be everywhere.
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The situation with the Coronavirus changes rapidly and we want to ensure that you are aware of all resources available to you. Please click the below buttons for updates about COVID-19 on a local and state level. |
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Important COVID-19
Testing and Vaccine Information
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UPDATE - Plainfield residents who are interested in being vaccinated can contact the Union County Vaccine Center at 908.613.7829 or visit www.ucnjvaccine.org to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, April 9th from 8:00am to 12:00pm at the Plainfield High School. Residents must be 18 years of age or older.
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ACTUALIZACIÓN: los residentes de Plainfield que estén interesados en vacunarse pueden comunicarse con el Centro de Vacunas del Condado de Union al 908.613.7829 o visitar www.ucnjvaccine.org para registrarse y recibir la vacuna COVID-19 el viernes 9 de abril de 8:00 am a 12:00 pm en la Plainfield High School. Los residentes deben tener 18 años o más.
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Testing is available to all Union County residents who wish to be tested, whether or not they are experiencing symptoms. It is free of charge, regardless of whether you have insurance or not. It is also available to all first responders and frontline health workers who are asymptomatic and that work in Union County, regardless of their residence. Testing is also available to first responders and frontline health workers who live and work outside the County, but reside in New Jersey.
Testing hours:
Mondays from 8:00am - 12:00pm
Thursdays from 8:30am - 12:00pm
Click Here to schedule an appointment or call 908.214.7107
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Front Street Pharmacy located at 204 East Front, Plainfield - 908.222.7100 offers PCR nasal tests. Below are dates and times for your convenience.
Monday - Friday - 10:00am - 1:00pm or while supplies last
No testing on Wednesday
Saturday - 10:00am - 1:00pm or while supplies last
Closed on Sunday
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Front Street Pharmacy ubicada en 204 East Front, Plainfield - 908.222.7100. Ofrece pruebas nasales de PCR. A continuación se muestran las fechas y horas para su conveniencia.
Lunes - Viernes - 10:00 am - 1:00 pm o hasta agotar existencias
No hay pruebas el miercoles
Sábado - 10:00 am - 1:00 pm o hasta agotar existencias
Cerrado los domingos
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Available Resources for our Seniors |
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Available Emergency Food Resources |
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The County of Union will host two (2) Emergency Food Distribution Events next week:
- On Tuesday, April 13th at 10:00am at Our Lady of Fatima (Church Parking Lot) located at 403 Spring Street in Elizabeth
- On Saturday, April 17th at 8:00am at Union Vo-Tech School located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.
Proof of NJ residency is required. For e.g. utility bill, driver's license, NJ ID Card.
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Skip the Trip to City Hall
Do Business Online!
Omita el Viaje al Ayuntamiento
Hacer Negocios en línea
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UNION COUNTY:
Free Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Event for Union County Residents, April 10
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Participants must observe rules for preventing the spread of COVID-19. |
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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents that the next free Household Hazardous Waste recycling event will be held on Saturday, April 10, at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Any Union County resident may participate, regardless of their home town.
“The Household Hazardous Waste events provide a free, convenient opportunity for residents to remove unwanted chemicals
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and other potentially hazardous items from their homes and yards, and dispose of them safely,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It’s a great way to make a real difference and help keep harmful substances out of the environment.”
Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are contact-free. Participants remain in their vehicles while personnel at the site unload their waste items.
Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.
Participants must be Union County residents and must observe the following rules for preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus:
- Arrive by vehicle only. No walk-ins accepted.
- Driver and all passengers must wear face coverings at all times.
- Driver and all passengers must stay in vehicle at all times.
- Car windows must be kept closed at all times.
- Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed where they can be easily identified and accessed by staff, who will remove them.
Car tires are included in these events. There is a limit of eight automobile tires, without rims, per household.
For a complete list of the materials that will be accepted on April 10, and information about all Union County recycling programs, visit ucnj.org/recycle.
Please note that latex paint (water-based) wall paint is NOT accepted. Residents wishing to dispose of latex paint are advised to use it, donate it, or dry the paint in the can and discard it in regular household garbage with the lid off. To help dry out paint, add kitty litter, newspaper or a product called waste paint hardener.
The Household Hazardous Waste events provide Union County residents with a free, environmentally safe way to dispose of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks, and automobile tires among many other items such as oil-based paint (no latex paint) and varnish, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), and mercury switches.
The Household Hazardous Waste collection event will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.
For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Governor Murphy Announces All Individuals Ages 16 and Older Will be Eligible for Vaccinations on April 19
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TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy announced that all individuals ages 16 and older will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination on April 19 – two weeks ahead of the state’s initial target of May 1. New Jersey’s phased vaccination roll out has successfully administered 4.7 million doses of vaccine to essential frontline workers, educators, high-risk groups, and other eligible adults who live, work, or study in the state. With 1,796,798 adults already fully vaccinated, New Jersey is on track to meet Governor Murphy’s goal of fully vaccinating 4.7 million adults by June 30.
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“Over the last several months, our Administration has worked closely with our communities and federal partners to ensure an efficient, accessible, and equitable vaccination program,” said Governor Murphy. “Together, we have administered 4.7 million doses of vaccine and opened more than 750 vaccination sites across the state, with 98.7 percent of all New Jerseyans living within five miles of where they can receive a vaccine. With an expected increase in vaccine allocation from the federal government, coupled with our extensive network of vaccination distribution sites, we can confidently expand our eligibility to all individuals ages 16 and older who live, work, or study in New Jersey on April 19.”
“With increasing supply of vaccine from the federal government, New Jersey has been ramping up the pace of doses administered and adding points of dispensing across the state, allowing us to extend eligibility to all adults sooner than expected,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “The Department encourages residents to get vaccinated as soon as they have the opportunity.”
For more information about current eligibility, statewide vaccination site locations, and to preregister for a vaccination, visit https://covid19.nj.gov/vaccine.
For more information on current CDC criteria for eligibility, please click here.
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FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Initial Actions to Address Gun Violence Public Health Epidemic
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The Biden-Harris Administration is announcing six initial actions to address the gun violence public health epidemic. The recent high-profile mass shootings in Boulder – taking the lives of 10 individuals – and Atlanta – taking the lives of eight individuals, including six Asian American women – underscored the relentlessness of this epidemic. Gun violence takes lives and leaves a lasting legacy of trauma in communities every single day in this country, even when it is not on the nightly news. In fact, cities across the country are in the midst of a historic spike in homicides, violence that disproportionately impacts Black and brown Americans. The President is committed to taking action to reduce all forms of gun violence – community violence, mass shootings, domestic violence, and suicide by firearm.
President Biden is reiterating his call for Congress to pass legislation to reduce gun violence. Last month, a bipartisan coalition in the House passed two bills to close loopholes in the gun background check system. Congress should close those loopholes and go further, including by closing “boyfriend” and stalking loopholes that currently allow people found by the courts to be abusers to possess firearms, banning assault weapons and high capacity magazines, repealing gun manufacturers’ immunity from liability, and investing in evidence-based community violence interventions. Congress should also pass an appropriate national “red flag” law, as well as legislation incentivizing states to pass “red flag” laws of their own.
But this Administration will not wait for Congress to act to take its own steps – fully within the Administration’s authority and the Second Amendment – to save lives. Today, the Administration is announcing the following six initial actions:
The Justice Department, within 30 days, will issue a proposed rule to help stop the proliferation of “ghost guns.” We are experiencing a growing problem: criminals are buying kits containing nearly all of the components and directions for finishing a firearm within as little as 30 minutes and using these firearms to commit crimes. When these firearms turn up at crime scenes, they often cannot be traced by law enforcement due to the lack of a serial number. The Justice Department will issue a proposed rule to help stop the proliferation of these firearms.
The Justice Department, within 60 days, will issue a proposed rule to make clear when a device marketed as a stabilizing brace effectively turns a pistol into a short-barreled rifle subject to the requirements of the National Firearms Act. The alleged shooter in the Boulder tragedy last month appears to have used a pistol with an arm brace, which can make a firearm more stable and accurate while still being concealable.
The Justice Department, within 60 days, will publish model “red flag” legislation for states. Red flag laws allow family members or law enforcement to petition for a court order temporarily barring people in crisis from accessing firearms if they present a danger to themselves or others. The President urges Congress to pass an appropriate national “red flag” law, as well as legislation incentivizing states to pass “red flag” laws of their own. In the interim, the Justice Department’s published model legislation will make it easier for states that want to adopt red flag laws to do so.
The Administration is investing in evidence-based community violence interventions. Community violence interventions are proven strategies for reducing gun violence in urban communities through tools other than incarceration. Because cities across the country are experiencing a historic spike in homicides, the Biden-Harris Administration is taking a number of steps to prioritize investment in community violence interventions.
- The American Jobs Plan proposes a $5 billion investment over eight years to support community violence intervention programs. A key part of community violence intervention strategies is to help connect individuals to job training and job opportunities.
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is organizing a webinar and toolkit to educate states on how they can use Medicaid to reimburse certain community violence intervention programs, like Hospital-Based Violence Interventions.
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Five federal agencies are making changes to 26 different programs to direct vital support to community violence intervention programs as quickly as possible. These changes mean we can start increasing investments in community violence interventions as we wait on Congress to appropriate additional funds. Read more about these agency actions here.
The Justice Department will issue an annual report on firearms trafficking. In 2000, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) issued a report summarizing information regarding its investigations into firearms trafficking, which is one way firearms are diverted into the illegal market where they can easily end up in the hands of dangerous individuals. Since the report’s publication, states, local, and federal policymakers have relied on its data to better thwart the common channels of firearms trafficking. But there is good reason to believe that firearms trafficking channels have changed since 2000, for example due to the emergence of online sales and proliferation of “ghost guns.” The Justice Department will issue a new, comprehensive report on firearms trafficking and annual updates necessary to give policymakers the information they need to help address firearms trafficking today.
The President will nominate David Chipman to serve as Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. ATF is the key agency enforcing our gun laws, and it needs a confirmed director in order to do the job to the best of its ability. But ATF has not had a confirmed director since 2015. Chipman served at ATF for 25 years and now works to advance commonsense gun safety laws.
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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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