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Mayor's Message:
Celebrating Art and Culture in Plainfield
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Dear Jazz,
Former President Barack Obama once said, “The arts are what makes life worth living. You’ve got food, you’ve got shelter... But the things that make you laugh, make you cry, make you connect – make you love are communicated through the arts. They aren’t extras.”
Art is an incredibly powerful thing. The songs sung by slaves kept them dreaming and fighting for freedom. The murals painted by Mexican American artists kept the Chicano movement alive. Poems and speeches by activists served as the beating heart of the Civil Rights Movement. Art has lit the flame of revolutions, kept hope alive in those losing faith, showcased modern culture through photography, video and cinema, told the story of countless journeys in dance, celebrated grand occasions in human history, and overall are what make being human beings so unique.
Carvings and paintings created by our ancestors are still preserved in caves where they lived thousands of years ago. It’s human instinct to want to express yourself, preserve the moment of time you are experiencing, capture the feeling of the world that you live in, and connect with others through the use of painting, music, dance, or storytelling. The mediums are endless, and the inspiration is all around us.
No matter our language, skin color, or country of origin we have all been moved by the sketches of a muralist, the words of an orator, the melody of a familiar song, or the rhythm of a dance beat. When discussing art, there is no way to leave out culture; and when discussing culture, there is no way to leave out art. Similarly, we cannot have a conversation about improving our city by developing buildings and our residential areas without expressing the importance of developing and nurturing our culture and art scene. The Queen City Art Station Festival will do just that by highlighting and celebrating the rich culture and fantastic art that we have here in the City of Plainfield.
On Saturday, July 29th, from two (2) to seven (7) PM, the rhythm of new music, colors of unique art, and the smell of delicious food will fill North Avenue and Gavett Place. Fantastic giveaways, henna artists, caricature artists, a face painter, a Creative Kid’s Corner, and a plethora of exciting activities that will keep the entire family entertained are just some of the unique features that will be available to attendees at no cost.
There will be over twenty (20) New Jersey artists showcasing and selling their one-of-a-kind art, including Justice Dwight, Aly Maki, and Atomo PJB, to name a few. Featured performers will include Mariachi Aguilas de Mexico, East Side Dance Company, Domo JOAT, T. Coleman, and many more. Food trucks such as Atomo Arepas from Venezuela and Jamaican Taste from the Caribbean will bring flavors from all over the world to the people of Plainfield.
The Love Plainfield Committee will also host a “Plainfield through Your Eyes Art Table” for those who want to submit art for the Annual Love Plainfield Art Competition to win Apple iPads and other prizes. JCT Solutions, a leading Technology provider in the tristate area, is a proud sponsor of the Love Plainfield Art Competition.
What makes Plainfield so special is that our residents come from around the world and bring a wealth of cultural experiences and art forms with them. We are proud to have representation from some native residents as well as those who have immigrated to our city and have integrated into our community and are proud to claim Plainfield as their home; from our students and teachers to our businesses and homeowners. We hold the diversity of our city close to our hearts and I hope Plainfield families come out to enjoy this day and are willing to explore all their options by trying new foods, watching a performance by a musical artist they’ve never been exposed to, releasing their creative energy into our planned activities, and supporting our very special local artists.
This Festival will be an incredible opportunity for us to #LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield by celebrating the cultures that make us different, the art that brings us together, and the city that serves as our home.
Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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Mensaje Del Alcalde:
Celebrando Arte Y Cultura En Plainfield
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Querido(a) Jazz,
El expresidente Barack Obama dijo una vez: “Las artes son lo que hace que valga la pena vivir la vida. Tienes comida, tienes refugio... Pero las cosas que te hacen reír, te hacen llorar, te hacen conectar, te hacen amar se comunican a través de las artes. No son extras."
El arte es algo increíblemente poderoso. Las canciones que cantaban los esclavos los mantenían soñando y luchando por la libertad. Los murales pintados por artistas mexicano-estadounidenses mantuvieron vivo el movimiento chicano. Poemas y discursos de activistas sirvieron como el corazón palpitante del Movimiento por los Derechos Civiles. El arte ha encendido la llama de las revoluciones, ha mantenido viva la esperanza en aquellos que pierden la fe, ha mostrado la cultura moderna a través de la fotografía, el video y el cine, ha contado la historia de innumerables viajes en la danza, ha celebrado grandes ocasiones en la historia humana y, en general, es lo que hace que el ser humano sea tan singular.
Las tallas y pinturas creadas por nuestros antepasados aún se conservan en cuevas donde vivieron hace miles de años. Es instinto humano querer expresarse, preservar el momento que está experimentando, capturar el sentimiento del mundo en el que vive y conectarse con otros a través del uso de la pintura, la música, la danza o la narración de historias. Los medios son infinitos y la inspiración está a nuestro alrededor.
No importa nuestro idioma, color de piel o país de origen, todos nos hemos emocionado con los bocetos de un muralista, las palabras de un orador, la melodía de una canción familiar o el ritmo de un baile. Cuando se habla de arte, no hay forma de dejar de lado la cultura; y cuando se habla de cultura, no se puede dejar de lado el arte. Del mismo modo, no podemos tener una conversación sobre la mejora de nuestra ciudad mediante el desarrollo de edificios y nuestras áreas residenciales sin expresar la importancia de desarrollar y nutrir nuestra cultura y escena artística. El Festival de la Estación de Arte de Queen City hará precisamente eso al resaltar y celebrar la rica cultura y el arte fantástico que tenemos aquí en la Ciudad de Plainfield.
El Sábado 29 de Julio, de las dos (2) a las siete (7) de la tarde, el ritmo de la música nueva, los colores del arte único y el olor a comida deliciosa llenarán North Avenue y Gavett Place. Fantásticos obsequios, artistas de henna, dibujantes de caricaturas, un pintor de caras, un rincón creativo para niños y una gran cantidad de actividades emocionantes que mantendrán entretenida a toda la familia son solo algunas de las características únicas que estarán disponibles para los asistentes sin costo alguno.
Habrá más de veinte (20) artistas de Nueva Jersey exhibiendo y vendiendo su arte único, incluidos Justice Dwight, Aly Maki y Atomo PJB, por nombrar algunos. Los artistas destacados incluirán a Mariachi Aguilas de Mexico, East Side Dance Company, Domo JOAT, T. Coleman y muchos más. Los camiones de comida como Atomo Arepas de Venezuela y Jamaican Taste del Caribe traerán sabores de todo el mundo a la gente de Plainfield.
El Comité Love Plainfield también organizará una "Mesa de arte de Plainfield a través de tus ojos" para aquellos que deseen enviar arte para el Concurso de arte anual Love Plainfield para ganar iPads de Apple y otros premios. JCT Solutions, un proveedor de tecnología líder en el área triestatal, se enorgullece de patrocinar la competencia de arte Love Plainfield.
Lo que hace que Plainfield sea tan especial es que nuestros residentes vienen de todo el mundo y traen con ellos una gran cantidad de experiencias culturales y formas de arte. Estamos orgullosos de tener representación de algunos residentes nativos, así como de aquellos que han emigrado a nuestra ciudad y se han integrado a nuestra comunidad y están orgullosos de reclamar Plainfield como su hogar; desde nuestros estudiantes y maestros hasta nuestros negocios y propietarios de viviendas. Mantenemos la diversidad de nuestra ciudad cerca de nuestros corazones y espero que las familias de Plainfield vengan a disfrutar este día y estén dispuestas a explorar todas sus opciones probando nuevos alimentos, viendo una actuación de un artista musical al que nunca han estado expuestos, liberando su energía creativa en nuestras actividades planificadas y apoyando a nuestros artistas locales muy especiales.
Este Festival será una oportunidad increíble para que #AmemosPlainfield celebrando las culturas que nos hacen diferentes, el arte que nos une, y la ciudad que nos sirve de hogar.
#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.
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Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp
Ciudad de Plainfield
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Centurion Sleepy Hollow Groundbreaking Ceremony
Wednesday, July 26th
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On Wednesday, July 26th, the City of Plainfield and LANDMARK held the groundbreaking ceremony for Plainfield’s newest development, “Centurion Sleepy Hollow Luxury Apartments".
The groundbreaking for “Centurion Sleepy Hollow Luxury Apartments” marks another important milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to revitalize Plainfield and the areas around the Plainfield commuter rail stations while attracting quality developments. The project is the newest addition to the Plainfield housing market. It will include 100 luxury apartments, as well as a retail space. Residential amenities include a fitness facility, club room, fireplace lounge, billiards room, and access to ample outdoor space with a large sitting area. The development consists of a covered on-site parking garage.
In attendance were Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, Director of Economic Development Zenobia Fields, City Council President Charles McRae, City Council Vice-President Terri Briggs-Jones, Councilman Barry Goode, Councilman Steve Hockaday, and other city officials.
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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Clean Up
Saturday, July 22nd
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On Saturday, July 22, 2023, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. teamed up with the Department of Public Works and City Council Vice-President Terry Briggs-Jones in a powerful initiative in the heart of the 4th ward for a cleaner and more vibrant neighborhood!
The mission iwas clear: a massive clean-up operation for the four (4) blocks between Plainfield Ave, W 4th St, W 3rd St, and Spooner Ave. And that's not all! The passionate Zeta Nu Lambda brothers have also adopted W 4th St block, dedicating themselves to maintaining a pristine, user-friendly community.
Together, we can make a lasting impact and ensure our streets are not only clean but also safe for everyone to enjoy. Let's come together as a community, roll up our sleeves, and make a difference that we can all be proud of! Stay tuned for the Fall community clean-up, where the excitement will reach new heights! Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to create a neighborhood we'll cherish for years to come.
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Down D Islands Roti Shop
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Friday, July 21st
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On Friday, July 21st, The City of Plainfield celebrated the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the newest addition to our long list of delicious local restaurants: Down D Islands Roti Shop at 108 East Fourth Street, Plainfield! The highly anticipated event celebrated Trinidadian culture and cuisine, offering locals an opportunity to experience the authentic flavors of the Caribbean island right in the heart of Plainfield.
At Down D Islands Roti Shop, diners can look forward to a tempting array of Trinidadian dishes that pay homage to the diverse cultural influences of the island. The restaurant's menu boasts an assortment of authentic rotis, doubles, and curries, each meticulously crafted with fresh ingredients and traditional spices. The menu will provide a delightful introduction to the island's culinary legacy for those unacquainted with Trinidadian cuisine.
In attendance at this event were Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Council President Charles McRae, Councilman Robert Graham, Director of Economic Development Zenobia Fields, First Lady Amelia Mapp, and other city officials.
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CALLING ALL RESIDENTS:
THE ART COMPETITION IS EXTENDED UNTIL AUGUST 4TH!
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A MESSAGE FROM
UNION COUNTY:
Union County Announces Summer Festival for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs
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The Union County Board of County Commissioners invite residents to a Summer Festival for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, which will celebrate the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The event will take place on Saturday, July 29, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.
The festival will feature a wide range of activities and attractions suitable for all ages and abilities. Attendees can look forward to inflatable rides, music, games, crafts, and a captivating magic show. With a focus on accessibility, all areas of the event will be designed to accommodate diverse needs, ensuring that everyone can fully participate and enjoy the festivities.
Admission to the Summer Festival is free of charge; however, we kindly request attendees to register in advance. To register, please visit www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg
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A MESSAGE FROM
THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY:
Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Establish Commission to Study Effects of Social Media Usage on Youth
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TRENTON – With concerns growing over the impact of social media on young people, Governor Phil Murphy today signed legislation to establish a commission to study the effects of social media usage both in and out of school on adolescents. The work of this commission will build on the Governor’s ongoing efforts to address the mental health needs of New Jersey youth.
“Social media use is undoubtedly a significant part of many young people’s lives these days, which is why it is so critical to determine the full scope of its impact on students,” said Governor Murphy. “By establishing this commission, we will better understand how social media use – both in and out of school – is affecting the physical and mental health, safety, and academic performance of students to help mitigate any negative repercussions and protect the well-being of New Jersey’s youth.”
Under the bill (S-715/A-1992), the Commission on the Effects of Social Media Usage on Adolescents will work to determine:
- the extent of social media usage both in and out of public schools, including the average amount of time students in various age groups spend each day on electronic devices;
- the effects that use has on the emotional health of students, including incidents of depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, harassment, intimidation/bullying, or other disruptive behaviors;
- the effects that use has on the academic performance of students;
- and the effects that use has on the physical health of students, including incidents of sleep deprivation, weight loss or gain, or high blood pressure.
The commission will issue a final report detailing its findings, including proposed social media usage standards, effective strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of social media usage on student health and academic performance, and any other recommendations to help improve student health and academic performance in connection with social media usage.
The commission will be comprised of 19 members including the Commissioner of Education, four public members appointed by legislative leaders, and 14 members appointed by the Governor – including a school nurse, an expert on the collection/analysis of data concerning social media, two public school students, two parents of students enrolled in a public school, and representatives from various education, psychology, and child advocacy organizations specified in the bill.
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A MESSAGE FROM
THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY:
Biden-Harris Administration Works to Make it Easier for People with Disabilities to Access Public Services Online
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For more than three decades, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been a driving force in moving America closer to the promise of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for the 61 million individuals with disabilities in our country. Because of the ADA and its protections against discrimination in public accommodations, employment, transportation, and community living, millions of people with disabilities have grown up with the promise of the same rights and chances as their peers without disabilities — and our communities, our economy, and our country are all stronger as a result.
Despite the important progress made under the ADA, many people with disabilities cannot access web or mobile-based state and local services—such as voter registration, filing taxes, applying for critical social services, accessing vital records, registering for vaccines, and taking online courses. This lack of accessibility has led unequal access to critical services for millions of Americans. As most services turned online during the pandemic, access disparities worsened. Deaf and hard of hearing people could not understand video messages from governors and mayors due to lack of captioning and American Sign Language interpretation. Community college students with certain disabilities, such as manual dexterity disabilities, could not properly navigate online course content.
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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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|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. | | | | |
