The Importance of Recreation |
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Dear Friend,
We all know that regular exercise is essential for our bodies. Exercise increases your overall health and can act as a stress reliever. It is uplifting and stimulating to be outside in nature and feeling adrenaline coursing through your body as it absorbs the healing effects of good exercise.
When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. In addition to reducing our perception of pain, endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body; the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as "euphoric." That feeling, known as a "runner's high," can be accompanied by an optimistic and re-energized outlook on life.
Endorphins are only one of many neurotransmitters released when you exercise. Physical activity also stimulates the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These brain chemicals play an essential part in regulating your mood.
We believe in the importance and positive power of physical activity. That's why we've made improving our recreational spaces a priority. With the recent transformation of the Rushmore Recreational Complex in the 4th ward, we now have two state of the art artificial turf fields in Plainfield; the first was Seidler Field, located on the border of the 1st and 2nd Wards.
We've also made improvements to the tennis courts at Milt Campbell Field and Hannah Atkins Playground. Additionally, through a partnership with Union County, we can boast of a third artificial multisport turf facility at Cedarbrook Park.
Over a year ago, we closed our parks and playgrounds in the interest of protecting our community. It was not an easy decision to make, but we felt it was the right one, given that at the time, we knew relatively little about the virus and the reason for its rapid spread around the globe. We all felt the effects of this lack of access and isolation, not the least our children and older residents.
A little over a year later, we have a much different perspective, a vaccine brings hope and an end to extreme social distancing, and we are pleased to share that on May 1st, our Parks and Recreational facilities will re-open. It will bring joy to see our children on the playgrounds once again, to see the pools cool our residents during the summer months, to see young and old once more using our recreational facilities.
Additionally, all our recreational programs will resume this year with no impact on our budget, which saw a reduction in taxes once again.
We will heal from the scars of the past year, breathe in the healing properties of fresh air and rejuvenate our bodies with wholesome exercise.
Plainfield, we stood as one to face this deadly virus, and now we move forward as one to heal our bodies and our minds. The city administration remains committed to supporting our residents and doing all we can to improve our city's quality of life.
Creating One Plainfield. One Future
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La importancia de la Recreación |
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Querido Plainfield,
La importancia de la recreación
Estimado Plainfield,
Todos sabemos que el ejercicio regular es fundamental para nuestro organismo. El ejercicio mejora su salud en general y puede aliviar el estrés. Es edificante y estimulante estar al aire libre en la naturaleza y sentir la adrenalina recorriendo su cuerpo mientras absorbe los efectos curativos del buen ejercicio.
Cuando hace ejercicio, su cuerpo libera sustancias químicas llamadas endorfinas. Además de reducir nuestra percepción del dolor, las endorfinas también desencadenan una sensación positiva en el cuerpo; la sensación que sigue a una carrera o un entrenamiento se describe a menudo como "eufórica". Ese sentimiento, conocido como "euforia del corredor", puede ir acompañado de una perspectiva optimista y revitalizada de la vida.
Las endorfinas son solo uno de los muchos neurotransmisores que se liberan cuando hace ejercicio. La actividad física también estimula la liberación de dopamina, noradrenalina y serotonina. Estos químicos cerebrales juegan un papel esencial en la regulación de su estado de ánimo.
Creemos en la importancia y el poder positivo de la actividad física. Por eso hemos hecho de la mejora de nuestros espacios recreativos una prioridad. Con la reciente transformación del Complejo Recreativo Rushmore en el cuarto distrito, ahora tenemos dos campos de césped artificial de última generación en Plainfield; el primero fue Seidler Field, ubicado en el límite de los distritos 1 y 2.
También hicimos mejoras a las canchas de tenis en Milt Campbell Field y Hannah Atkins Playground. Además, a través de una asociación con el condado de Union, podemos presumir de una tercera instalación de césped artificial multideporte en Cedarbrook Park.
Hace más de un año, cerramos nuestros parques y áreas de juego con el interés de proteger a nuestra comunidad. No fue una decisión fácil de tomar, pero sentimos que era la correcta, dado que en ese momento, sabíamos relativamente poco sobre el virus y la razón de su rápida propagación por todo el mundo. Todos sentimos los efectos de esta falta de acceso y aislamiento, no menos nuestros niños y residentes mayores.
Poco más de un año después, tenemos una perspectiva muy diferente, una vacuna trae esperanza y el fin del distanciamiento social extremo, y nos complace compartir que el 1 de mayo reabrirán nuestras instalaciones de Parques y Recreación. Será una alegría ver a nuestros niños en los parques infantiles una vez más, ver las piscinas refrescar a nuestros residentes durante los meses de verano, ver a jóvenes y mayores una vez más usando nuestras instalaciones recreativas.
Además, todos nuestros programas recreativos se reanudarán este año sin impacto en nuestro presupuesto, que vio una vez más una reducción en los impuestos.
Nos curaremos de las cicatrices del año pasado, respiraremos las propiedades curativas del aire fresco y rejuveneceremos nuestros cuerpos con un ejercicio saludable.
La administración de la ciudad mantiene su compromiso de apoyar a nuestros residentes y hacer todo lo posible para mejorar la calidad de vida de nuestra ciudad.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.
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The Plainfield Police Department
Welcome Four New Recruits
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"To Protect and Serve"
Earlier today, the Plainfield Police department welcomed four (4) new recruits. Mayor Adrian O. Mapp administered the oaths along with Police Director Lisa Burgess. Also in attendance were City Council President Steve Hockaday, Councilwoman Ashley Davis, Councilwoman Joylette Mills-Ransome, Councilman Charles McRae and members of the Administration.
Surrounded by family, friends and members of the Police Department - Jana Johnson, Shaun Blackmon, Guadalupe Tiban and Hassan Edwards took the first step to becoming a part of Plainfield's Finest. Next step, attending the John H. Stamler Police Academy for twenty-two (22) weeks.
Congratulations again to the new recruits and Good Luck!
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SAVE THE DATES
City Council Budget Deliberation Sessions
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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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On Monday, April 19th, eligibility will expand to include all individuals age 16+. Make a plan today for the steps you’ll need to take to get you and your loved ones signed up for a vaccine and add those steps to your calendar. To register for the vaccine through the state, please click here. All Union County residents can follow this link https://ucnjvaccine.org/, to schedule a vaccination appointment.
Only your ID proving your Union County residency is required to register.
You can also pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine with the State of NJ at https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine. As additional information becomes available, we will keep you updated.
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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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There will be an additional testing site available on Saturday, April 17th from 10:00am - 6:00pm at Parking Lot #7 (behind Scott Drugs). Residents can register using the below link:
· Please note that walk-ups will be provided service
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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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Skip the Trip to City Hall
Do Business Online!
Omita el Viaje al Ayuntamiento
Hacer Negocios en línea
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UNION COUNTY:
Union County Clerk Will Livestream April 16 Ballot Drawing on Facebook
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Remote procedure held in consideration of COVID-19 precautions |
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Union County, NJ – Due to ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that the ballot position drawing for the June 8 2021 Primary Election will be live-streamed on Facebook. The drawing will be held on Friday, April 16 at 3:00 p.m. as designated by law. A link will be posted prior to the drawing.
“My office will continue to make use of the technology at hand to ensure that the mandated steps occur according to schedule, while taking every available precaution to protect staff and the public during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Ms. Rajoppi.
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Although in-person voting will be available on June 8, Ms. Rajoppi advises voters who are concerned about the COVID-19 virus to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot, especially those who are considered at higher risk due to their age or health status.
For more information on voting in Union County elections, including applying for a vote by mail ballot, visit the County Clerk’s Elections Division online at unioncountyvotes.com or call 908-527-4996.
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Governor Murphy Announces New State and Federal Financial Help to Drastically Lower Health Insurance Costs; For First Time Ever, Savings Extended to Higher Income Levels
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TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy announced new state and federal financial help that will drastically lower health insurance costs for hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents will be available at Get Covered New Jersey, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, beginning tomorrow, April 15th.
For the first time ever, the new benefits will provide state and federal subsidies to residents at higher income levels, and will provide even more savings to residents previously eligible for financial help under the Affordable Care Act. As a result of the new state and federal savings, nine out of 10 residents enrolling at Get Covered New Jersey will be eligible for financial help.
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“President Biden’s COVID-19 relief law makes health insurance more affordable for millions of Americans, including hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents who can access new savings at Get Covered New Jersey. We are proud to work alongside the administration to put health coverage in reach for more residents, by providing even more help to many of our residents and expanding our state subsidy program to more New Jerseyans,” said Governor Murphy. “As we respond to the pandemic, we continue to be guided by the principle that health care is a right.”
“New Jersey is continuing its focus on improving access to health coverage and care. The federal American Rescue Plan provides new financial help to drastically reduce premiums at many income levels. As a state, we are also providing increased financial help to make health insurance more affordable, and now making assistance available for individuals with higher income levels,” said Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride. “Those who did not qualify for financial help before may qualify now, so we encourage New Jerseyans to come back to the marketplace to see how much they may be eligible for under the new changes. If you have looked before at the marketplace, we ask that you come back and check out the new savings.”
“When a worker is laid off, the economic strain is often severe, and healthcare unfortunately becomes an expense that many simply can no longer afford. I’m proud that the federal and state governments have stepped up to provide and implement this nearly free option for our jobless residents and their families,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo.
The American Rescue Plan was passed by Congress and signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021. The federal law makes the most significant change to the Affordable Care Act since its implementation by expanding subsidies to ensure Americans have access to affordable health coverage during the global health crisis. Previously, financial help was not available for households making more than $51,040 for an individual or $104,800 for a family of four (400% of the Federal Poverty Level). The new law ensures that no family spends more than 8.5 percent of their income on the benchmark plan (the second-lowest cost Silver plan in a consumer’s area which is used to calculate federal premium tax credits). This makes coverage more affordable at many income levels by removing the income cap for financial help.
On top of the federal tax credits, the State of New Jersey is providing new and expanded financial help to residents shopping for coverage at Get Covered New Jersey. State subsidies – called New Jersey Health Plan Savings – will now be available for residents with incomes up to 600 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (up to $76,560 for an individual and $157,200 for a family of four), up from the previous 400 percent FPL threshold. This was made possible due to the new federal savings, which allowed New Jersey to reallocate a portion of the funding previously provided for state subsidies to increase and expand subsidies to help more people.
Hundreds of thousands of enrollees currently receiving Marketplace coverage and those with coverage directly from an insurance company, as well as residents currently uninsured, could now be eligible for new state and federal financial help. Residents who did not qualify before because their income was too high may qualify under the federal and state changes. If residents were already eligible for financial help, they will likely be eligible for additional premium reductions. Individuals who receive unemployment compensation during any week beginning in 2021 may also be eligible for additional financial help.
The new savings will be available to new and existing consumers who may obtain the benefits from Get Covered New Jersey as follows:
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Increased financial help for all eligible consumers (new and existing). The amount of financial help is based on household income just like before, but it has now increased at every income level due to more and expanded subsidies provided by both the state and federal government. Existing enrollees can log into their accounts now, and update their application to obtain the new financial benefits, effective May 1st. This summer, the department will automatically update the accounts of as many enrollees as possible who have not already taken action.
Existing enrollees not receiving financial help or who have opted to not take all of their APTC during the year, will not be automatically updated and will have to make updates to their applications. Additionally, enrollees who received unemployment compensation in 2021 will need to update their applications to receive the nearly free coverage for which they are eligible.
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Nearly free coverage for many individuals and families, including those receiving unemployment. Families making less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) – or $25,520 a year for an individual or $52,400 for a family of four – will be eligible for near zero-dollar premiums under the new law. Additionally, residents who received unemployment compensation during any week in 2021 may be eligible for nearly free coverage.
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New financial help for higher incomes. Previously, financial help was not available for households making more than $51,040 for an individual or $104,800 for a family of four. The new law ensures that no family spends more than 8.5% of their income on a benchmark health plan. This means many individuals currently paying full price for health insurance may now see more affordable premiums. The State of New Jersey is also extending state subsidies to residents with income up to 600 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (up to $76,560 for an individual and $157,200 for a family of four). Residents who did not previously get financial help, including those enrolled in a plan directly through a health insurance carrier, should check the GetCoveredNJ “Shop and Compare” tool to understand their potential savings.
All eligible residents, both current enrollees and new enrollees, can check their potential savings by using the “Shop and Compare” tool beginning on April 15. Note that residents who have received unemployment will have to log in to their existing account, or create a new account, and attest to receiving the benefits, to view their potential savings under the new law.
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FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
Biden-Harris Administration Announces American Rescue Plan Funding to Rescue the Child Care Industry so the
Economy Can Recover
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Today, the Biden Administration is announcing the release of $39 billion of American Rescue Plan funds to states, territories, and tribes to address the child care crisis caused by COVID-19. These funds will help early childhood educators and family child care providers keep their doors open. These providers have been on the frontlines caring for the children of essential workers and support parents, especially mothers, who want to get back to work. These funds are a critical step to pave the way for a strong economic recovery and a more equitable future.
Over the past 40 years, as more women entered the labor force and brought home larger paychecks, they have driven 91 percent of the income gains experienced by middle-class families. But, since the start of the COVID-19 public health emergency, roughly 2 million women have left the labor force, disproportionately due to caregiving needs and undoing decades of progress improving women’s labor force participation rate. Even as many fathers have returned to work, mothers, especially those without a four-year college degree, have not done so at similar rates. As a result, the gender earnings gap is predicted to increase by 5 percentage points in this recession, hurting our families and economy. As women work to regain employment, families with young children, and especially families of color where mothers are more likely to be sole or primary breadwinners, may face financial burdens for years to come. Parents need access to safe, quality child care to get back to work.
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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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