Mayor's Message:
Declutter Your Minds and Personal Spaces
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Dear Jazz,
It's official; Spring is here! Many people think that summer is the best time of the year, but there's something about spring that is special for me. We welcome longer, sunnier days, the scent of freshly grown flowers in the air, and returning birds' songs. I find it both stimulating and exciting. Spring is viewed as the season of rebirth for a reason; it is the ideal time to welcome new beginnings and declutter your home and mind.
The wintertime takes a toll on our psyche. We spend long hours in our homes, sometimes going days without seeing the sun. We don't even have to leave home for groceries; we can have it delivered directly to our door as well as almost everything else. But these habits that isolate us aren't healthy and can cause fatigue, stress, and depression.
Springtime calls for spring cleaning. Ridding our home of unused items, creating more space, and changing its appearance can promote productivity. As babies, we instinctively follow those around us as we learn basic motor skills like walking and talking. We understand that our minds also mimic our surroundings as we get older. When we work in a cluttered area, it hampers our ability to focus and think clearly. According to an article in the New York Times, studies have shown that exposure to clutter can induce a physiological response, including increased cortisol levels, a stress hormone found in our bodies (source). And why is this concerning? Our adrenal gland produces cortisol at normal levels to reduce inflammation, regulate our blood pressure, control our sleep cycle, etc. When those levels are increased and we are exposed to it for a prolonged period, health issues like headaches, heart disease, anxiety, depression, and memory and concentration problems can arise.
As we cleanse and declutter our physical environment, it's also important to periodically re-evaluate and purify our minds. We can get caught up in a cycle of negativity, especially if other negative people surround us. Positive thoughts breed positive action, radiating outward, impacting those around us. People automatically gravitate toward others who are positive in their thoughts and actions. As we do our spring cleaning, let's not neglect the most important space of all, our minds.
Cleansing our minds can be as simple as forgiving old grudges, giving others the benefit of the doubt instead of viewing them with suspicion. Working collaboratively and opening ourselves to new experiences and friendships. Cleansing our minds can be finding a new way to look at an old problem and not allowing old perceptions to close our minds to new possibilities. Just like cleaning our physical space, we have to get rid of the old clutter, to make way for new beginnings, or so that we can think with more clarity.
I propose that we take advantage of the earlier sunrise and get up at least 30 minutes earlier. Use that time to pamper yourself, go for a short run, do some yoga, drink a coffee or tea, listen to some music, or any other action that is just yours before the day begins. Do anything that you feel will cleanse your mind and lift your mood. Feeling stressed and overwhelmed should not be something you accept as normal; we can avoid it. Also, remember you are not alone; humans are social creatures by nature. We need positive interactions, So have a conversation, make new friends, and plan time just for you.
The City of Plainfield is also looking to do some spring cleaning. On May 7, 2022, the City of Plainfield will host its first annual Clean the Queen. We'll ask our community to come out and participate in a city-wide clean-up. We hope our residents will join forces with the city to pick up litter, clean our streets, and declutter our Queen City so that we can showcase our best for the rest of the world to see.
Join me this season as we Spring Clean our homes, city, and minds.
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future | | |
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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Ordena tus mentes y espacios personales | |
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Querido Plainfield,
Es oficial; ¡La primavera ya está aquí! Mucha gente piensa que el verano es la mejor época del año, pero hay algo en la primavera que es especial para mí. Damos la bienvenida a días más largos y soleados, a la aroma de las flores recién cultivadas en el aire y los cantos de los pájaros que regresan. Lo encuentro estimulante y emocionante. La primavera es vista como la temporada de renacimiento por una razón; es el momento ideal para dar la bienvenida a nuevos comienzos y ordenar su hogar y su mente.
El invierno acta nuestro psique. Pasamos largas horas en nuestras casas, a veces pasando días sin ver el sol. Ni siquiera tenemos que salir de casa para comprar comestibles; podemos recibirlo directamente en nuestra puerta, así como en casi todo lo demás. Pero estos hábitos que nos aíslan no son saludables y pueden causar fatiga, estrés y depresión.
La primavera exige limpieza de primavera. Bibrando nuestra casa de artículos no utilizados, crear más espacio y cambiar su apariencia puede promover la productividad. Como bebés, instintivamente imitamos a quienes nos rodean para aprender habilidades motoras básicas como caminar y hablar. Entendemos que nuestras mentes también imitan nuestro entorno a medida que envejecemos. Cuando trabajamos en un área desordenada, obstaculiza nuestra capacidad de concentrarnos y pensar con claridad. Según un artículo en el New York Times, los estudios han demostrado que la exposición al desorden puede inducir una respuesta fisiológica, incluido el aumento de los niveles de cortisol, una hormona del estrés que se encuentra en nuestros cuerpos (fuente). ¿Y por qué es esto preocupante? Nuestra glándula suprarrenal produce cortisol a niveles normales para reducir la inflamación, regular nuestra presión arterial, controlar nuestro ciclo de sueño, etc. Cuando esos niveles aumentan y estamos expuestos a ellos durante un período prolongado, pueden surgir problemas de salud como dolores de cabeza, enfermedades cardíacas, ansiedad, depresión y problemas de memoria y concentración.
A medida que limpiamos y ordenamos nuestro entorno físico, también es importante reevaluar y purificar periódicamente nuestras mentes. Podemos quedar atrapados en un ciclo de negatividad, especialmente si otras personas negativas nos rodean. Los pensamientos positivos engendran acción positiva, irradiando hacia afuera, impactando a quienes nos rodean. Las personas gravitan automáticamente hacia otros que son positivos en sus pensamientos y acciones. Mientras hacemos nuestra limpieza de primavera, no descuidemos el espacio más importante de todos, nuestras mentes.
Limpiar nuestras mentes puede ser tan simple como perdonar viejos rencores, dando a los demás el beneficio de la duda en lugar de verlos con sospecha. Trabajar en colaboración y abrirnos a nuevas experiencias y amistades. Limpiar nuestras mentes puede ser encontrar una nueva forma de ver un viejo problema y no permitir que las viejas percepciones cierren nuestras mentes a nuevas posibilidades. Al igual que limpiar nuestro espacio físico, tenemos que deshacernos del viejo desorden, para dar paso a nuevos comienzos, o para que podamos pensar con más claridad.
Propongo que aprovechemos el amanecer más temprano y nos levantemos al menos 30 minutos antes. Usa ese tiempo para mimarte, salir a correr, hacer algo de yoga, tomar un café o té, escuchar algo de música o cualquier otra acción que sea solo tuya antes de que comience el día. Haz cualquier cosa que sientas que limpiará tu mente y elevará tu estado de ánimo. Sentirse estresado y abrumado no debe ser algo que aceptes como normal; podemos evitarlo. Además, recuerda que no estás solo; los humanos son criaturas sociales por naturaleza. Necesitamos interacciones positivas, así que ten una conversación, haz nuevos amigos y planifica el tiempo solo para ti.
La ciudad de Plainfield también está buscando hacer una limpieza de primavera. El 7 de mayo de 2022, la ciudad de Plainfield organizará su primera edición anual de Clean the Queen. Le pediremos a nuestra comunidad que salga y participe en una limpieza en toda la ciudad. Esperamos que nuestros residentes unan fuerzas con la ciudad para recoger basura, limpiar nuestras calles y ordenar nuestra Ciudad Reina para que podamos mostrar lo mejor de nosotros para que el resto del mundo lo vea.
Únase a mí esta temporada mientras limpiamos nuestros hogares, ciudad y mentes.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro
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Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp
Ciudad de Plainfield
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5 Habits to Declutter Your Mind |Improve Focus and Clarity | |
LOCAL NEWS: Ban on Plastic Bags and and Foam Service Products | Effective May 4, 2022 | |
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The New Law, P.L. 2020, c.117, becomes effective on May 4, 2022. The law bans the provision or sale of all single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam food service products, single-use paper carryout bags in groceries equal to or larger than 2500 sq. ft. and limits plastic straw distribution to by-customer-request-only as of November 4, 2021.
This is a statewide ban that applies to all retail, grocery stores, and food service businesses, from restaurants, delis, coffee shops to food trucks and cafeterias.
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UPDATE | NEW PARKING KIOSKS INSTRUCTIONS | |
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The Plainfield Parking Utility is in the process of updating and replacing the parking kiosks within the City.
The video and flyer below provide instructions for using the new kiosks.
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UPCOMING EVENT | SAVE THE DATE | |
NOTABLE WOMEN OF PLAINFIELD | |
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Marjorie Patterson worked at the Plainfield Area YMCA from 1947 until her retirement in 1987. She dedicated her life to helping the youth and underprivileged community of Plainfield. Her first years with the YMCA were spent as a program aide at the Moorland Branch - known as the “Black Y”.
She spent many lunch hours “sitting in” at restaurants where blacks were refused service. She often met the director of the local NAACP branch for lunch (or lack of it). Because the Moorland Y had to raise its own money, she became an extraordinary fundraiser. As quoted in a newspaper interview, Marjorie said. “we had two bowling alleys, and when money was needed, we’d organize a tournament. We had suppers and dinners…everybody helped out.”
She was called the “Pied Piper of Teenagers” when she led forums and training for young people. The Royal Banquets of the Hi-Y and Tri-Hi-Y Council for area youth that she helped to organize became an annual tradition in which teenagers from seven local communities were recognized for leadership. View the Library's collection of Marjorie Patterson Papers.
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MARCH IS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH | |
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March brings awareness of the need for people to access life-saving resources that prevent, detect, and treat colorectal cancer (CRC).
Early-age onset CRC diagnoses are rising by 2% annually, and by 2030 it is predicted that CRC will be the leading cause of death in people under age 50.
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AVAILABLE TUITION PROGRAMS | |
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Scarlet Guarantee:
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
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The Scarlet Guarantee
is a signature Rutgers–New Brunswick program. Launching for Fall 2022, the program will provide financial support for first- and second-year undergraduate students. Full-time New Jersey residents who have completed their FAFSA or NJAFAA will now have all four years of their tuition and mandatory fees covered depending on Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for as long as these programs last.
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Scarlet Guarantee es un programa exclusivo de Rutgers-New Brunswick. Lanzado para el otoño de 2022, el programa proporcionará apoyo financiero para estudiantes universitarios de primer y segundo año. Residentes de Nueva Jersey que iran de tiempo completo que hayan completado su FAFSA o NJAFAA ahora tendrán los cuatro años de su matrícula y tarifas obligatorias cubiertas dependiendo del Ingreso Bruto Ajustado (AGI) durante el tiempo que duren estos programas.
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Deadline:
Accept Rutgers Admission Offer
by May 1, 2022
Requirements:
Work Towards FIRST Bachelors Degree
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Love Plainfield Initiative | |
¿ How Do You Show Love For Plainfield? | |
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A MESSAGE FROM UNION COUNTY:
Learn How to Create a Personal Oral History
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Union County, NJ – Oral history has become a popular way to preserve personal experiences, family legacies and community heritage. Now Union County residents can learn how to create their own oral histories, through the new “Introduction to Oral History Workshop” on Wednesday, April 6, at 6:00 p.m., at the Liberty Hall Academic Center and Exhibition Hall on the Kean University campus, at 1003 Morris Avenue #2 in Union Township.
The event is free and open to the public. Attendance is on a walk-in basis. No pre-registration is required.
“The Commissioner Board encourages all Union County residents with an interest in family or personal histories to come to the workshop, and learn how they can help preserve the past and inform future generations,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Kean University and the Union County Historical Society for partnering in this project.”
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A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY
GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY:
Agreement Reached on New Jersey Plan to Exit Decades-Old
Child Welfare Lawsuit
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TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy announced that a motion to end federal oversight of the Department of Children and Families under a settlement agreement initiated by Charlie and Nadine H. vs. Whitman has been jointly presented to the federal court by the state and an attorney representing the plaintiffs.
“This agreement signifies the meaningful progress the Department of Children and Families has made in fulfilling its duties to protect and support children and families throughout our state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Today’s Department does the important work it was always meant to do by prioritizing the rights and well-being of the vulnerable children in its care. I am grateful the critical reforms our state has made on behalf of New Jersey children have been recognized in this agreement.”
“Today’s achievement is the result of more than two decades of reforms and transformation initiated and implemented by a workforce committed to helping New Jersey’s families be safe, healthy and connected,” said DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer. “Now, the Department of Children and Families is a nimble, data-driven, prevention-focused, and family-centric agency, as well as a national leader in child welfare and family well-being best practice.”
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
Statement from President Joe Biden on Unemployment Insurance Claims
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MARCH 24, 2022 • STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
Americans are getting back to work at a historic pace, with fewer Americans on unemployment insurance today than at any time in the last half century. This morning, we received news that the number of Americans on unemployment insurance fell to its lowest level since 1970 and the number of Americans filing new claims fell to its lowest one-week level since 1969. This historic progress is no accident: it’s the result of an economic strategy to grow the economy from the bottom up and middle out, starting with the American Rescue Plan. And, it’s the result of effective management of emergency pandemic resources that resulted in 75% of adult Americans vaccinated and 99% of schools re-opened. We have more work to do to cut costs for families, but today’s data are a reminder that the U.S. economy is uniquely well positioned to deal with the global challenge of inflation. We will continue the fight to lower costs with every tool at our disposal, from making more here in America and rebuilding our supply chains, to lowering costs that have held back Americans for decades, to promoting competition to ensure markets can operate effectively and consumers are protected.
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HELP US TAKE CARE OF OUR CITY!
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT- IT APP
Available in IOS and Android Mobile Phones
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Exercise your civic duty-- be the eyes and ears of our City! Your reports can greatly increase the quality of life in our Plainfield community. Let's work together to keep our city safe- If you see it, say it with ReportIt. | |
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Use the app, or text
reportit to 63975
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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 to be resolved.
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Call us at: 908.753.3015 or
E:communications@plainfieldnj.gov
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|THE CITY OF PLAINFIELD NJ|
515 WATCHUNG AVENUE | 908-753-3310| MONDAY-FRIDAY | 9 A.M.- 5 P.M.|
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future | | | | |
