Mayor's Message:
Winter Must Do's to Manage the "Blue's"
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Dear Jazz,
Winter is traditionally associated with holiday cheer, the anticipation of family get-togethers, mouthwatering feasts, and in the north, the expectation of a white Christmas. However, at times you might still feel as if something is missing. You might feel drained, lack energy, and despite best efforts, can’t seem to shake a feeling of depression.
What you feel is a natural physiological reaction to the change in season. The human body has an internal clock called the circadian rhythm, which operates on a 24-hour cycle. This clock influences when we wake up, feel sleepy, and various other bodily processes. The appropriate function of this clock depends on environmental cues and air temperatures that trigger the release of hormones that regulate our mood, sleep, metabolism, and body temperature. When your clock is disrupted or thrown out of balance by changes to these cues, your natural circadian rhythm becomes accelerated or slowed, leading to a cascade of physiological impacts (source).
Environmental cues such as changes in light exposure, continuous interruptions of your sleeping patterns, and changes to the weather affect us more than we realize. The beautiful fall and winter seasons might be the culprit driving the negative energy you might feel.
Identifying the root of the problem is the first step toward eliminating it. We have officially left the summer days behind us, and moving forward, our days will only get shorter. Depending on your work schedule, you might go to work in the dark and leave in the dark. Following this kind of work schedule might make you want to stay in bed and ignore the outside world, but despite how tempting it might seem, we cannot allow ourselves to get caught in that cycle. Giving in to the temptation one day can easily lead to it becoming a habit, and bad habits are hard to break.
Although it might seem like an impossible task, try to find some time to spend at least half an hour each day outside to soak up some vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D plays a vital role in bone health and the longevity of our skeletal frame. Not to mention that moderate exposure to the sun has been shown to help prevent various forms of cancer, such as colon, breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer. Decreased exposure to sunlight can also lead to reduced levels of serotonin, and low serotonin levels are closely linked to a higher risk of major depression (source).
The next thing you must do is focus on productivity. Declutter your area and surround yourself with a bright, pleasant environment. Changing your light bulbs from yellow-toned light to white light can help fend off the allure of darkness and make you feel more energized. Try not to procrastinate and leave for tomorrow what you can do today. The seemingly shorter days might have you thinking , “There’s not enough time today so I’ll deal with that tomorrow,” and before you know it, your to-do list will begin to grow to daunting levels.
I have found that keeping a calendar is a great way to stay on top of things and remind us of priorities.
However you decide to manage your “winter blues,” just remember that despite the compromises we make during this season, it also brings us some of the most festive gatherings of the year. We always have the promise of spring ahead of us.
Plainfield, remember to check on family and friends that live alone during these next few months. The colder months are known for their oppressive influence on vulnerable members of our community. We are our brother’s keepers, and we want everyone to emerge from the winter months with hope and optimism.
Welcome to the Fall / Winter Holiday Season!
#LovePlainfield
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future | | |
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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Imprescindibles de invierno | |
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Querido Plainfield,
El invierno se asocia tradicionalmente con la alegría de las fiestas, la anticipación de reuniones familiares, banquetes deliciosos y, en el norte, la expectativa de una blanca Navidad. Sin embargo, a veces aún puede sentir que falta algo. Puede sentirse agotado, sin energía y, a pesar de los mejores esfuerzos, parece que no puede deshacerse de un sentimiento de depresión.
Lo que sientes es una reacción fisiológica natural al cambio de estación. El cuerpo humano tiene un reloj interno llamado ritmo circadiano, que opera en un ciclo de 24 horas. Este reloj influye cuando nos despertamos, sentimos sueño y varios otros procesos corporales. La función adecuada de este reloj depende de las señales ambientales y la temperatura del aire que desencadenan la liberación de hormonas que regulan nuestro estado de ánimo, el sueño, el metabolismo y la temperatura corporal. Cuando su reloj se interrumpe o se desequilibra debido a cambios en estas señales, su ritmo circadiano natural se acelera o se ralentiza, lo que lleva a una cascada de impactos fisiológicos (fuente).
Las señales ambientales, como los cambios en la exposición a la luz, las interrupciones continuas de sus patrones de sueño y los cambios en el clima, nos afectan más de lo que nos damos cuenta. Las hermosas estaciones de otoño e invierno pueden ser las culpables de la energía negativa que puedes sentir.
Identificar la raíz del problema es el primer paso para eliminarlo. Oficialmente, hemos dejado atrás los días de verano y, en el futuro, nuestros días solo se acortarán. Dependiendo de su horario de trabajo, puede ir a trabajar en la oscuridad y salir en la oscuridad. Seguir este tipo de horario de trabajo puede hacer que quieras quedarte en la cama e ignorar el mundo exterior, pero a pesar de lo tentador que pueda parecer, no podemos permitirnos quedar atrapados en ese ciclo. Ceder a la tentación un día puede llevar fácilmente a que se convierta en un hábito, y los malos hábitos son difíciles de romper.
Aunque pueda parecer una tarea imposible, intente encontrar algo de tiempo para pasar al menos media hora todos los días al aire libre para absorber un poco de vitamina D del sol. La vitamina D juega un papel vital en la salud ósea y la longevidad de nuestro esqueleto. Sin mencionar que se ha demostrado que la exposición moderada al sol ayuda a prevenir varias formas de cáncer, como el cáncer de colon, mama, próstata y ovario. La exposición reducida a la luz solar también puede conducir a niveles reducidos de serotonina, y los niveles bajos de serotonina están estrechamente relacionados con un mayor riesgo de depresión mayor (fuente).
Lo siguiente que debe hacer es centrarse en la productividad. Ordene su área y rodéese de un ambiente luminoso y agradable. Cambiar las bombillas de luz de tonos amarillos a luz blanca puede ayudar a evitar el encanto de la oscuridad y hacer que se sienta con más energía. Intenta no postergar y dejar para mañana lo que puedas hacer hoy. Los días aparentemente más cortos pueden hacerte pensar: "No hay suficiente tiempo hoy, así que me ocuparé de eso mañana", y antes de que te des cuenta, tu lista de tareas pendientes comenzará a crecer hasta niveles abrumadores.
Descubrí que mantener un calendario es una excelente manera de estar al tanto de las cosas y recordarnos las prioridades.
Independientemente de cómo decidas manejar tu “tristeza invernal”, solo recuerda que a pesar de los compromisos que hacemos durante esta temporada, también nos trae algunas de las reuniones más festivas del año. Siempre tenemos la promesa de la primavera por delante.
Plainfield, recuerde consultar a familiares y amigos que viven solos durante los próximos meses. Los meses más fríos son conocidos por su influencia opresiva sobre los miembros vulnerables de nuestra comunidad. Somos los guardianes de nuestros hermanos y queremos que todos salgan de los meses de invierno con esperanza y optimismo.
¡Bienvenidos a la temporada de vacaciones de otoño/invierno!
#AmoPlainfield
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro
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Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp
Ciudad de Plainfield
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Some Things to do to Conquer Winter Boredom | |
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It can be challenging to come up with fun activities to fill your time during winter, especially if you normally spend lots of time outside. However, there are actually loads of fun things you can do while it’s cold, both indoors and outdoors.
Winter offers unique opportunities that aren’t available during the other seasons so let’s work on making winter your favorite season!
Do a jigsaw puzzle. This is perfect for extra-chilly days. Set the puzzle up on a mat so that it’s easy to move around and complete in stages.
Go bowling. Want to do something sporty and competitive, without freezing?
Bowling is ideal.
Wrap up warm and go for a walk. A winter walk can be lots of fun, as long as you’re wearing plenty of layers.
Visit a museum. Keep warm and learn about new things – lots of fun for families. Look out for special offers and free exhibitions.
Make fancy hot chocolate. Forget normal cocoa. Make it an event and go all out with marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles and candy canes.
Learn a new language. Do you have a holiday planned for the summer? Get prepared now by starting to learn the language – there are plenty of online courses. (SOURCE)
It is easy to let the cold, dreary days get us down so let's focus on doing something new this winter. Let's focus on enjoying the season and all that it offers.
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Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of
Laruelux Salon & Boutique
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A 2019 SBA report found that small businesses accounted for 44% of U.S. economic activity. Without small businesses, the American economy and workforce would be a pretty wild landscape to imagine. Not only do small businesses provide more jobs, they also bring careers and opportunities. (SOURCE)
Yesterday afternoon a dream became a reality for another young entrepreneur Dominique McNeill who along with her mother Stacey Garnes opened Laruelux Salon & Boutique at 1101 East 2nd Street. Mrs. Garnes thanked the village of individuals who helped to make the day possible with hard work, perseverance and love.
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp expressed his excitement about a new business opening in the first ward and spoke about the City's commitment to assisting business owners with resources, information and support. The Mayor also expressed the importance of supporting this business to ensure that it is here for many years to come.
In attendance were Council President Barry Goode, Council Vice President Charles McRae, Councilwoman Joylette Mills-Ransome, Councilwoman Terri Briggs-Jones, Councilwoman Ashley Davis and Councilman Steve Hockaday.
Surrounded by family, friends and well wishers this mother and daughter team invited us to share their dream. The Queen City continues to attract business owners who are diverse and focused on giving back to our community. Let's welcome Laruelux to the family!
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NEW UPDATE - Social Security Implements
Self-Attestation of Sex Marker in Social
Security Number Records
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RECAP - Cannabis Conversation
October 13, 2022
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On Thursday, October 13th the City of Plainfield hosted a Cannabis Conversation for residents and stakeholders. The Queen City remains committed to leading conversations for legislation within the cannabis industry.
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp spoke about the monumental impact the war on drugs had on black & brown communities for minimal amounts of marijuana. He added that as a result families have been torn apart with lifelong consequences. He reiterated that as a municipality we are focused on social justice and creating equity within this industry.
Director Valerie Jackson remarked that the City has been very intentional about ensuring that all Plainfield based cannabis businesses must hire locally and provide apprenticeships and ownership opportunities for residents especially for those individuals who were negatively impacted by overly harsh drug laws.
Council President Barry Goode, Council Vice President Charles McRae, Councilwoman Ashley Davis and Councilwoman Terri Briggs-Jones were in attendance.
The Mayor, City Council and City Administration understand the positive opportunities this industry provides. From revitalizing the light industrial landscapes to the jobs that will be available to residents. We are committed to moving the Queen City forward and providing a better quality of life to our community.
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Mark Your Calendars - Events this Weekend | |
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Love Plainfield Initiative | |
¿ How Do You Show Love For Plainfield? | |
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A MESSAGE FROM UNION COUNTY:
Union County to Offer New COVID-19 Booster Shots for Children Ages Five and Up
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The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces that Union County residents age five years and older can now obtain the new bivalent COVID-19 booster shots formulated by Pfizer and Moderna, authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and approved by the Centers for Disease Control.
The new bivalent booster shots target recent Omicron variants that are more transmissible and immune-evading. The new Pfizer pediatric booster is for ages 5 to 11. The Moderna booster is for ages 6 to 17. Children age 6 to 11 can take either the Moderna or the Pfizer booster.
Both of the new pediatric bivalent booster shots are available at any vaccination clinic run by Union County beginning on Tuesday, October 18.
“The new booster shots for children mark another step in our efforts to ensure that approved COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are available to Union County residents as quickly as possible, helping to save lives and prevent long term health impacts. We encourage every resident to obtain a new bivalent booster shot as soon as they are eligible,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY:
Governors Launch Youth Mental
Health Initiative
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SALT LAKE CITY - National Governors Association (NGA) Chair New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and NGA Vice Chair Utah Governor Spencer Cox met with those on the frontlines of youth mental health care to advance the NGA Chair’s Initiative: Strengthening Youth Mental Health.
“As leaders, one of our most important and sacred responsibilities is protecting the health and well-being of our children,” said Governor Murphy. “For far too long, our nation’s youth mental health crisis has been overlooked and those living with mental health challenges have been stigmatized. Families have lacked access and resources to get their children the critical assistance they need. It is past time we address this crisis head-on and empower communities to act together. As we navigate this issue, we remain committed to working with young people, parents, teachers, providers, and other stakeholders to ensure that our approach is well-rounded and offers the best support for children across the country.”
“Youth mental health is an urgent issue in Utah and nationwide,” stated Governor Cox. “The pandemic has heightened the problem, and it’s important that we be proactive in bolstering support resources and letting young people know that help is available.”
Mental health hospitalizations are up 61% for children under age 19, according to Clarify Health Institute, and suicide is now the second leading cause of death for 10- to 24-year-olds.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
Building Bridges to a Better America
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President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Is Repairing Thousands of Bridges Across the Country
Today, President Biden is traveling to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to visit the Fern Hollow Bridge, which collapsed on the day the President was visiting Pittsburgh eight months ago. In less than a year, the State of Pennsylvania and City of Pittsburgh have made significant progress in rebuilding the bridge – made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Thanks to strong federal, state, and local government partnership, the Fern Hollow bridge is on an accelerated track to be rebuilt in a single year, compared to a 2- to 5- year timeline common for a similar bridge project.
The Fern Hollow bridge is one of the nearly 45,000 bridges in poor condition across the United States that need to be repaired or replaced. For decades, American presidents have promised to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure but did not deliver. President Biden brought together Democrats, Independents, and Republicans to pass the most transformative investment in infrastructure since passage of the Eisenhower-era Interstate Highway Act of 1956. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a historic $40 billion investment to repair or replace bridges across the country. In less than a year, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds are being put to work to begin to repair, rehabilitate and replace over 2,400 bridge projects across the United States, exceeding President Biden’s goal for the first year. Like the Fern Hollow Bridge, these bridges can be life lines for communities, connecting families to their loved ones, students to school, workers to their jobs, and providing critical access and evacuation routes in case of an emergency. That is why the Biden-Harris Administration has hit the ground running to rebuild bridges across the country.
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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 | | | | |
