Insurrection is the Enemy of Democracy |
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Dear Friend,
The first amendment to the Constitution gives us freedom of speech, the right to assemble peaceably and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Over many decades we have exercised this constitutional right and brought attention and action to the causes that we hold dear. As we fought for equal rights, the civil rights movement had as one of its fundamental actions the right to protest peacefully. Last year protests happened across the nation to speak out against black people's treatment at the hands of some law enforcement officers in multiple jurisdictions across the country.
Protests have always been a way for people to voice their dissatisfaction, to attract public attention to a cause and, to seek redress of grievances.
What happened at the Capitol building on January 6, 2021, was not a protest; the storming and subsequent takeover of the Capitol was an insurrection executed by an out of control mob. They aimed to circumvent the lawful and democratic process of confirming the legally elected 46th President of the United States. They attacked law enforcement officers, mocked elected officials, and used brute force to defile one of our monuments to democracy.
Those who would use discord and insurrection to force their will upon the country are not patriots, they are not heroes, and they most certainly will not make America great again. They have attempted to make a mockery of our democracy and exposed us to ridicule among other nations around the world.
As a country, we have always been proud of our democracy. We have a deeply rooted belief that it is the foundation of what the founding fathers intended for us, the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This belief pushes us to intervene when we see violations of civil rights occurring in other parts of the world. It is this belief that allows us to speak freely and be vocal with our opinions. Democracy, well-implemented, is still the best guarantor of a decent quality of life free from anarchy and devoid of fear of a domestic enemy. The insurrectionists at the Capitol were not just challenging the election results; they were challenging democracy itself, which is our treasured way of life. By their actions, they proved themselves to be enemies of our Constitution and our nation-state.
One thing is evident; they cannot halt democracy. Democracy is embedded in the DNA of the United States of America, and an out of control mob’s insurrection cannot change that. We will push on and persevere, and we will restore order to our great country. We have renewed faith and hope that decency, justice, and social morality will cleanse the evil forces that took up residence at the White House for the past four years.
In the coming days leading up to the inauguration, I urge all residents to be alert for any signs of trouble brewing here. We have seen the news reports warning that armed protests are planned at fifty (50) State Capitols across the nation. It is not an easy time for us, as we look hopefully to the COVID-19 vaccine and the return to normalcy in our daily lives. Let’s pray for the safety of everyone and for our newly elected President, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Vice President Kamala D. Harris. In the end, our Democracy will triumph and the enemy will be defeated. Stay safe!
May God Bless Plainfield and Bless the United States of America.
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La insurrección es enemiga de la democracia |
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Querido Plainfield,
La primera enmienda a la Constitución nos otorga libertad de expresión, el derecho a reunirnos pacíficamente y a solicitar al Gobierno la reparación de agravios. Durante muchas décadas hemos ejercido este derecho constitucional y hemos llamado la atención y la acción sobre las causas que apreciamos. Mientras luchábamos por la igualdad de derechos, el movimiento de derechos civiles tenía como una de sus acciones fundamentales el derecho a protestar pacíficamente. El año pasado se produjeron protestas en todo el país para denunciar el trato que reciben las personas negras por parte de algunos agentes de la ley en múltiples jurisdicciones de todo el país.
Las protestas siempre han sido una forma de que las personas expresen su insatisfacción, atraigan la atención del público hacia una causa y busquen reparación de agravios.
Lo que sucedió en el edificio del Capitolio el 6 de enero de 2021 no fue una protesta; El asalto y posterior toma de posesión del Capitolio fue una insurrección ejecutada por una turba fuera de control. Su objetivo era eludir el proceso legal y democrático de confirmar al 46º presidente de los Estados Unidos elegido legalmente. Atacaron a los agentes del orden, se burlaron de los funcionarios electos y utilizaron la fuerza bruta para profanar uno de nuestros monumentos a la democracia.
Aquellos que usarían la discordia y la insurrección para imponer su voluntad sobre el país no son patriotas, no son héroes, y ciertamente no harán grande a Estados Unidos nuevamente. Han intentado burlarse de nuestra democracia y nos han expuesto al ridículo entre otras naciones del mundo.
Como país, siempre hemos estado orgullosos de nuestra democracia. Tenemos una creencia profundamente arraigada de que es la base de lo que los padres fundadores pretendieron para nosotros, el derecho a la vida, la libertad y la búsqueda de la felicidad. Esta creencia nos empuja a intervenir cuando vemos violaciones de los derechos civiles que ocurren en otras partes del mundo. Es esta creencia la que nos permite hablar libremente y expresar nuestras opiniones. La democracia, bien implementada, sigue siendo el mejor garante de una calidad de vida digna, libre de anarquía y sin temor a un enemigo interno. Los insurrectos en el Capitolio no solo estaban desafiando los resultados de las elecciones; estaban desafiando la democracia misma, que es nuestra forma de vida más preciada. Con sus acciones, demostraron ser enemigos de nuestra Constitución y de nuestro estado-nación.
Una cosa es evidente; no pueden detener la democracia. La democracia está incrustada en el ADN de los Estados Unidos de América, y la insurrección de una turba fuera de control no puede cambiar eso. Seguiremos adelante, perseveraremos y restauraremos el orden en nuestro gran país. Hemos renovado la fe y la esperanza de que la decencia, la justicia y la moral social limpiarán las fuerzas del mal que se establecieron en la Casa Blanca durante los últimos cuatro años.
En los próximos días previos a la inauguración, insto a todos los residentes a estar atentos a cualquier signo de problemas que se avecinan aquí. Hemos visto los informes noticiosos que advierten que se planean protestas armadas en cincuenta (50) capitolios estatales en todo el país. No es un momento fácil para nosotros, ya que esperamos con esperanza la vacuna COVID-19 y el regreso a la normalidad en nuestra vida diaria. Oremos por la seguridad de todos y por nuestro presidente recién elegido, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. y la vicepresidenta Kamala D. Harris. Al final, nuestra Democracia triunfará y el enemigo será derrotado. ¡Mantenerse a salvo!
Que Dios bendiga a Plainfield y bendiga a los Estados Unidos de América.
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Special Live Broadcast with Faith Leaders |
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Yesterday evening Mayor Adrian O. Mapp hosted a Special Live Broadcast with Faith Leaders to offer hope, comfort and inspiration as we begin a new year still navigating the effect of the coronavirus.
The City with many partnerships have provided resources for testing and to address food insecurity. We also understand the need for spiritual nourishment.
We extend a heartfelt - THANK YOU - to the faith leaders who participated.
Rev. Paul Dean - Visions of God Family Worship
Pastor Carmen de Pedraza - Cristo Para Los Naciones
Student Minister Michael Muhammad - Nation of Islam
Rev. Sheila Thorpe - Shiloh Baptist Church
** Pastor David Egelshi with MEDES Church unfortunately couldn't join us as he was experiencing technical difficulties.
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Remembering the Legacy of
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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As we celebrate the birthday and legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, we realize that he had a dream that has yet to be fulfilled. His dream which is our dream spoke of equality for all without regard to race and that all men are created equal. That one day we will not be judged by the color of our skin but by the content of our character.
Almost 57 years ago, this incredible speech was given and there was hope for the future. In this future, we elected our first African American President; in this future we see success for many athletes and entertainers but many of the issues that existed then, still exist today. There is still a lack of socio economic equity and equality. Unfortunately racism and police brutality are still painful realities.
As we look to the future and its many possibilities, what are your dreams and what does the "I Have a Dream" Speech mean you? How do we ensure that future generations understand the importance of this speech? How do we continue to dream?
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Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" Speech |
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AristaCare at Norwood Terrace Honors Plainfield Police Department |
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On Monday, January 11 the staff of Aristacare at Norwood Terrace hosted an appreciation drive-thru event for the Plainfield Police Department. Mayor Adrian O. Mapp was invited to be a part of this recognition for the City's Finest.
With welcoming smiles, waves, banners and goodie bags this team of frontline workers extended goodwill to another group of frontline workers who do not always receive the recognition and applause they deserve.
Thank you to everyone at Aristacare for your thoughtfulness and community spirit!
Aristacare at Norwood Terrace has been a part of the Plainfield Community for 20 years.
CEO and Founder, Sidney Greenberger, had a vision of what healthcare should be like. He wanted to transform what was once called a nursing home into something totally different and revolutionary. He built an atmosphere that was more like a hotel in its esthetics and customer service. Yet clinically the care was hospital level.
Sidney was a trailblazer in the industry. His idea revolutionized not only his company, that grew throughout the Garden State, but the industry overall. He set a new standard for all the competition.
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Important COVID-19
Testing and Vaccine Information
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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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Attention Plainfield residents and friends! Healthcare workers in New Jersey are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. If you are a healthcare worker and would like to register for a vaccine, please click here.
To view a list of vaccination site locations, please click here.
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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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State and County COVID-19 Utility and Rental Relief Programs |
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State of New Jersey Provides NJ
Assistance Programs
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The State of New Jersey has programs that can assist with rental assistance, home heating, emergency fuel and electricity costs. Click here for more information and to see if you qualify. |
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Union County Announces COVID-19 Rental Relief Program ROUND 1 Funds |
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Residents will be eligible to receive up to 6 months of rental assistance
UNION COUNTY – The Union County Freeholder Board is pleased to announce a rent relief program for eligible residents adversely impacted by COVID-19. Residents can apply through one of three partner non-profit agencies for needed assistance beginning November 16. The Board approved funding for the program through the federal CARES Act on November 12.
A total of $1,350,000 will be available through federal funds for residents who have fallen behind in payments as a result of job loss or income reduction. The program will provide a minimum of three months of assistance. An additional three months of assistance will be provided to eligible County renters in need of further assistance.
“Many residents have been furloughed or laid off because of the COVID-19 outbreak, and are facing tough choices between food, housing, and other necessities,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder board is committed to doing all that we can to assist those in need, and the new rental assistance program is an important part of those efforts.”
Starting Monday November 16, 2020, interested residents can submit their application on one of the following non-profit websites:
Eligibility requirements for applicants are as follows:
• Renters living in Union County;
• Household Income is at or below 80% of Median Family Income (MFI);
• Household income loss must be due to Covid-19;
• Applicants must be able to provide documentation of income received as a result of any governmental response program due to Covid-19 (such as unemployment compensation) as well as a current lease agreement.
Residents requiring information or assistance with the application process can call any of the three nonprofit partners involved and schedule an appointment. Staff will inform applicants of the required documentation to bring to the appointment. Once staff has a complete application with all required documentation, the application will be reviewed for eligibility. Applicants will be provided with documented proof of their filed rental assistance application for their landlord.
Once the application is approved, funds will be disbursed by mailed check directly to the landlord. If you have any other questions please reach out to Brandon Givens, Director of Community Services at 908-527-4462 or via email bgivens@ucnj.org.
Haga clic aquí para la versión en español (Click here for Spanish version)
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A One Act Play Festival
Presented by the Plainfield Performing Arts Center
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Join us this evening at 7:00pm for the third installment of "A One Act Play Festival".
Lift - A Lyrical Play by Noble Julz, an award-winning poet and spoken word artist. Featuring Noble Julz, this is a coming-of-age story based upon Noble's most well-known work and follows a young man's journey into self-actualization as he transitions from street to manhood. This lyrical play features strong language but is bound to uplift and inspire.
The One-Act Festival presented by the Plainfield Performing Arts Center and directed by Onyx Keesha features four women playwrights including two from Plainfield - Noble Julz and Theresa Perry Lewis. These new plays are performed by the M.PoWeR Players.
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SAVE THE DATE
Getting Started with Government Contracting Live Seminar
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Plainfield is a Report It Community
"See Something Say Something"
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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 your 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 below 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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Skip the Trip to City Hall
Do Business Online!
Omita el Viaje al Ayuntamiento
Hacer Negocios en línea
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Emergency Food Resources Available
in Plainfield
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January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month |
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January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a great time to talk about how human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines can help prevent cancer. Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States.
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UNION COUNTY:
County of Union Opens Registration Portal for COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments
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UNION COUNTY, NJ - The Union County Board of County Commissioners today announced the opening of an online registration system at www.ucnj.org for those eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.
The registration system is currently open. Please note the registration system will only log those who are eligible to receive the vaccination. Those who are ineligible to receive vaccinations will not be allowed to pre-register, and must wait until they are eligible. The County is offering the Moderna vaccine.
County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella said: “The opening of an online registration system marks another step forward as we ramp up our vaccination efforts. In addition to taking all precautions in protecting ourselves from COVID-19, we certainly urge everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible.”
Commissioner Sergio Granados, who chairs the County’s Public Safety Committee, said: “We are working hard to vaccinate as many people as we can during this time. We have put into place measures such as a new registration page that will ensure we can meet the demand once the state provides more vaccines and moves into latter phases.”
Those who are eligible to receive the vaccine include paid and unpaid persons serving in health care settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials and long-term care residents and staff, and also sworn law enforcement personnel and fire professionals. The Governor also announced that beginning tomorrow, residents 65 and above are also eligible to receive the vaccinations, as are those between the ages of 16-64 with medical conditions, as defined by the CDC, that increase the risk of severe illness from the virus.
The County’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic is located at Downs Hall at Kean University in Union, and is currently open five days a week from 3-7 p.m. Once more vaccines are available, the County is planning to offer the COVID-19 vaccine in different areas of the County.
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Governor Murphy Announces All New Jersey Residents Ages 65 and Older Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine Beginning on Jan 14
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Individuals Ages 16-64 with Certain Medical Conditions Also Eligible
Beginning January 14
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TRENTON, NJ --Governor Phil Murphy today announced two additional categories of New Jersey residents eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Beginning Thursday, January 14, all New Jersey residents ages 65 and older, and individuals ages 16-64 with certain medical conditions, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that increase the risk of severe illness from the virus, are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination. Those conditions include cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, Down Syndrome, heart conditions, obesity and severe obesity, sickle cell disease, smoking, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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Individuals who are pregnant and those in an immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant are also eligible but should follow CDC guidance and first discuss vaccination with their medical provider before receiving the vaccine. In addition to paid and unpaid healthcare workers in Phase 1A, these two groups mark the expansion of eligible residents in Phase 1B, which recently opened to include sworn law enforcement and fire professionals.
“Over the last several months, our Administration has built the infrastructure and laid the groundwork to support New Jersey’s COVID-19 vaccination demand,” said Governor Murphy. “Based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we are ready to begin ramping up our vaccination efforts exponentially and are confident in our ability to provide every willing New Jersey resident with a vaccine when it is available and they are eligible.”
“Expanding access to vaccine to individuals in these categories is critical as we know they are at greater risk for severe COVID-19 illness and death,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “Eighty percent of COVID-19 deaths in New Jersey have been among those 65 and older and overall 67 percent of deaths had one or more underlying conditions reported.”
For more information on CDC criteria for eligibility, please click here.
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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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