Mayor's Message:
The Importance of Walking
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Dear Jazz,
I am sure we're all aware that exercise is considered essential and has excellent health benefits. However, although most of us are aware, not many take action. According to a report by CBS News, about 80 percent of American adults, ages 18 and older, don't get the recommended exercise. And why is that? The modern world we live in encourages laziness. Everything we want and may need can be obtained with the touch of a button. With online ordering and delivery of just about anything under the sun, physical activity is becoming less and less of a priority. We are also engrossed with computer activities, from social media to work and other pursuits like gaming. So when you hear the word exercise, it seems more like a chore than a rewarding activity, regardless of the proven benefits.
I think it's time for us to think beyond the word exercise; it doesn't mean you have to go out and run a mile, nor do you need to subscribe to a gym. All you need to do is reinforce the simplest form of action we have learned and mastered throughout our lifetime, WALKING.
Walking is free, accessible, and easy to do no matter where you are. When you go out, whenever possible, instead of looking for the closest parking spot, park a little farther and walk. When in a building with multiple stories, consider using the stairs more often than the elevator, use the beautiful weather we have, get to know your neighbors, and circle the block a few times. Implementing these small changes will improve your lifestyle; the best part is that it won't feel like you are exercising.
You may ask yourself, "How much can these changes improve my health?" Studies have shown that low-impact aerobic exercise like walking can help improve brain function, prevent the early onset of dementia, and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's. It does so by reducing cortical thinning to preserve gray matter in brain areas associated with memory loss (source).
If you are past the teen and young adult age like myself, increasing the number of times you walk throughout the day can also help your eyesight. Walking doesn't just stimulate our visual cortex; it also strengthens it. It will also relieve the pressure in our eyes, allowing us to ward off glaucoma.
Need more convincing? You must also know that walking strengthens our hearts by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. It can improve blood circulation and increase oxygen levels in our bloodstream. Not to mention that a study conducted by Duke University showed that individuals who walked had six times greater glucose tolerance improvement than those who ran. This means the amount of sugar we absorb daily decreases, which in turn allows our pancreas to produce less insulin.
The magic number is 30. All it takes is 30 minutes of walking or 6,000 steps a day to see the improvement in your health.
Most of the most common chronic diseases in America, heart disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and stroke, can be prevented or improved by simply introducing more opportunities to walk in your life. After learning of all the benefits, I introduced more walking into my life. And let me tell you, I feel great. I am more energized, I have more stamina to keep up with my grandkids, and my doctor says I've never been healthier.
Plainfield is my home, and as Mayor, I care for every community member. It is important to me that the Queen city residents remain safe and healthy. So I ask my community to join me, get up and walk.
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future | | |
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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La Importancia de Caminar | |
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Querido Plainfield,
Estoy seguro de que todos somos conscientes de que el ejercicio se considera esencial y tiene excelentes beneficios para la salud. Sin embargo, aunque la mayoría de nosotros somos conscientes, no muchos toman medidas. Según un informe de CBS News, alrededor del 80 por ciento de los adultos estadounidenses, de 18 años o más, no hacen el ejercicio recomendado. ¿Y por qué? El mundo moderno en el que vivimos fomenta la pereza. Todo lo que queremos y podamos necesitar se puede obtener con solo tocar un botón. Con los pedidos en línea y la entrega de casi cualquier cosa bajo el sol, la actividad física se está volviendo cada vez menos prioritaria. También estamos absortos con las actividades informáticas, desde las redes sociales hasta el trabajo y otras actividades como los juegos en linea. Entonces, cuando escuchas la palabra ejercicio, parece más una tarea que una actividad gratificante, independientemente de los beneficios comprobados.
Creo que es hora de que pensemos más allá de la palabra ejercicio; no significa que tengas que salir y correr una milla, ni que tengas que suscribirte a un gimnasio. Todo lo que necesitas hacer es reforzar la forma más simple de acción que hemos aprendido y dominado a lo largo de nuestra vida, CAMINAR.
Caminar es gratis, accesible y fácil de hacer sin importar dónde se encuentre. Cuando salgas, siempre que sea posible, en lugar de buscar el lugar de estacionamiento más cercano, estaciona un poco más lejos y camina. Cuando esté en un edificio con varios pisos, considere usar las escaleras con más frecuencia que el ascensor, use el hermoso clima que tenemos, conozca a sus vecinos y rodee la cuadra varias veces. Implementar estos pequeños cambios mejorará su estilo de vida; la mejor parte es que no se sentirá como si estuvieras haciendo ejercicio.
Usted puede preguntarse: "¿Cuánto pueden estos cambios mejorar mi salud?" Los estudios han demostrado que el ejercicio aeróbico de bajo impacto como caminar puede ayudar a mejorar la función cerebral, prevenir la aparición temprana de la demencia y reducir el riesgo de desarrollar Alzheimer. Lo hace reduciendo el adelgazamiento cortical para preservar la materia gris en las áreas del cerebro asociadas con la pérdida de memoria (fuente).
Si ha pasado la edad de adolescente y joven como yo, aumentar la cantidad de veces que camina a lo largo del día también puede ayudar a su vista. Caminar no solo estimula nuestra corteza visual; también lo fortalece. También aliviará la presión en nuestros ojos, lo que nos permitirá evitar el glaucoma.
¿Necesitas más convencimiento? También debes saber que caminar fortalece nuestros corazones al bajar la presión arterial y el colesterol. Puede mejorar la circulación sanguínea y aumentar los niveles de oxígeno en nuestro torrente sanguíneo. Sin mencionar que un estudio realizado por la Universidad de Duke mostró que las personas que caminaban tenían una mejoria de tolerancia a la glucosa seis veces mayor de los que corrían. Esto significa que la cantidad de azúcar que absorbemos diariamente disminuye, lo que a la misma vez permite que nuestro páncreas produzca menos insulina.
El número mágico es 30. Todo lo que se necesita son 30 minutos de caminata o 6,000 pasos al día para ver la mejora en su salud.
La mayoría de las enfermedades crónicas más comunes en los Estados Unidos, enfermedades cardíacas, Alzheimer, diabetes y accidentes cerebrovasculares, se pueden prevenir o mejorar simplemente introduciendo más oportunidades para caminar en su vida. Después de aprender de todos los beneficios, introduje más caminar en mi vida. Y déjame decirte que me siento muy bien. Tengo más energía, tengo más resistencia para mantenerme al día con mis nietos, y mi médico dice que nunca he estado más saludable.
Plainfield es mi hogar, y como alcalde, me preocupo por cada miembro de la comunidad. Es importante para mí que los residentes de queen city permanezcan seguros y saludables. Así que le pido a mi comunidad que se una a mí, se levante y camine.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro
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Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp
Ciudad de Plainfield
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Statement from Mayor Adrian O. Mapp Regarding Structure Fire on North Avenue | |
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On July 18th, early morning, a structure fire occurred at 825 North Ave in Plainfield. The Plainfield Fire Department responded and found multiple residents on the roof attempting to escape the fire within the structure. Firefighters quickly rescued over 20 persons from impending danger and extinguished the fire. Tragically, a young child was found deceased in a bedroom during the search and rescue process. Multiple County and State agencies, including the Prosecutor's office, are still investigating. The Fire department and Mayor Mapp extend their condolences to the family during this terrible time.
"It's always heartbreaking when a life is lost in our community, but it's doubly so when it's someone who has not yet begun to live her life. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and want the family to know that we mourn with them. It is indeed a sad day in the City of Plainfield. We hope that the investigators will be able to give us some answers soon, and although nothing can replace this precious life, we hope getting answers will provide some measure of closure for the family and the community." – Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
Click here if you would like to help the family
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Queen City Mentoring Academy Visits City Hall | |
On Tuesday, July 19, 2022 the City of Plainfield welcomed the young men and women of the Queen City Mentoring Academy led by Program leaders Detectives Ronald James, Detective Jesse McNeil, Detective Michael Gordan and Officer Bernell Harrison. The chants and cheers of the QCMA were heard all throughout Watchung Avenue as our young people demonstrated the discipline they've acquired. Members of Plainfield Administration and pedestrians stopped to admire the power with which our kids executed their expertise. | |
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Officer Tyler James
From the QCMA to Plainfield’s Finest
The Queen City Mentoring Academy (QCMA) is a three-week "Day Camp" offered to Plainfield young men and women entering the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Following their motto of "Honor-Respect-Commitment," implemented by founding Members Detective Ronald James, Detective Jesse McNeil, Sergeant Inesha Nash, and Officer Bernell Harrison, the QCMA seeks to educate the cadets about public service, including county government, the judiciary, emergency services, and law enforcement placing a solid emphasis on self-respect, respect for others, teamwork, and commitment to goals.
Founded in 2014, the QCMA has seen many young men and women walk through its doors, including Officer Tyler James. Tyler James was one of the very first members of the Queen City Mentoring Academy, gaining front-row seats to the program's progress over the years. Tyler James, son of Detective Ronald James, began at the academy as a volunteer student mentor versus a cadet. He was older than the age requirement allowed, but that wasn't going to stop him from being part of the program.
His father's position as a Plainfield Police Officer introduced Tyler to the possibility of a career in law enforcement. However, it wasn't until his time as a student mentor in the Queen City Mentor Academy that the possibility of being a police officer transformed into his dream. The format of QCMA is similar to the structure of the actual police academy. Being part of the initiative and having an opportunity to be part of that environment consolidated his desire and commitment to becoming a police officer.
With the discipline he learned at QCMA, Tyler approached every step to become a police officer with confidence and drive like no other. Fast forward to today, Officer Tyler James is currently serving Plainfield's police department and is still volunteering with the QCMA in his free time. When asked if he would recommend the academy to parents Officer James stated, "I believe it is a great opportunity, especially with all the recent occurrences between Police officers and civilians; the academy bridges the gap between officers and our community." The QCMA changes the way kids in our community view officers. The program is free and managed by officers who care enough about their community to dedicate their free time to run the program, volunteering their experience, knowledge, and guidance to Plainfield's youth.
Tyler has found that his time as a mentor for the QCMA, first as a teen and now as an officer, helps tremendously in his role. People on the streets, the kids, and parents recognize him in his QCMA attire and feel safe enough to approach him. "In terms of communicating with the public, QCMA is a big help," said Officer Tyler James.
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Mark Your Calendars - July Events | |
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OnThursday, July 28, 2022 AristaCare, in partnership with the Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, North Plainfield Mayor Laurence Ronde, Dunellen Myor Jason Cilento, and Dunellen Council President Trina Rios, will host a Summer Festival.
Stop by the parking lot of 40 Norwood Ave from 12PM - 3PM and walk away with free food, toys give away, face paintings, and much more.
Make sure to bring your own bags!
Additional participating organizations include El Centro Hispanoamerican and Hope Social Sercie Agency
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Plainfield Performing Art Center (P-PAC) is hosting a series of events that you have to check out. There is limited seating, make sure to register in advance. Click on the flyers below for more information
Live and Loud Open Mic Night
Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 7:30PM
Jazz on Park
July 29, 2022 at 7:30PM
P-PAC Game Night
August 4, 2022 at 7PM
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REMINDER - WAIT LIST FOR STATE RENTAL
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OPENED ON MONDAY, JULY 11
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The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) announced that its Division of Housing and Community Resources (DHCR) will be accepting pre-applications online for the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) Waiting List. Pre-applications will be accepted to enter a lottery for the statewide SRAP program in the Elderly, Family, Disabled, and Homeless categories.
Elderly applicants must serve as head of household and be 62 years of age or older. For those applying in the Family category, the head of household must be 18 years of age or an emancipated minor, with or without children. To qualify in the Disabled category, the head of household or spouse must be permanently disabled. Homeless applicants must lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
"At DCA, we have made and continue to make unprecedented investments to reduce the long-term financial impacts of this pandemic and are committed to increasing affordability, especially when it comes to one of the biggest expenses facing families - housing," said Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, who serves as DCA Commissioner. "We will be selecting 4,000 applicants for the wait list through a lottery process out of the pool of all the applications received. As vouchers are awarded, they will provide the stability that families need. That is why this State Rental Assistance Program opening is so important."
All pre-applications submitted online during the open enrollment period from Monday, July 11, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. until Friday, July 22, 2022, at 5:00 p.m., will be entered into a database and a lottery system will be used to select applicants for the waiting lists. Pre- applications for SRAP assistance will be accepted from very low-income households. Applicants must be eighteen (18) years of age or older to apply or be an emancipated minor. Pre-applications successfully submitted during the open enrollment period have the same chance of being selected during the lottery. Those selected in the lottery for the wait list will then be eligible to receive SRAP vouchers as they become available.
APPLICANTS MUST HAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS TO APPLY. Web browsers like Google Chrome, Fire Fox or Internet Explorer 10 or higher are recommended. If an applicant is disabled and needs assistance with submitting their pre-application during the open enrollment period, they can contact DCA at 609-292-4080and select Option 9 from the menu to request a reasonable accommodation. For more information concerning the SRAP opening, people can visit: http://www.nj.gov/dca/.
vernment management and finance, and disaster recovery and mitigation.
For more information about DCA, visit https://nj.gov/dca/
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Love Plainfield Initiative | |
¿ How Do You Show Love For Plainfield? | |
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A MESSAGE FROM UNION COUNTY:
Play it Safe in the Sun: Union County Offers a Free Skin Cancer Screening & Information on how to “Choose Your Cover”
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The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to participate in the 2022 “Choose Your Cover” program, which is a free statewide skin cancer screening, awareness and educational initiative taking place on Saturday, August 13th from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool located in the Rahway River Park, St. George Avenue in Rahway.
“Everyone wants to be outside once the summer season hits, but residents need to take the proper precautions in order to prevent them from overexposure to the sun,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer and it is usually curable when detected and treated early, so it is so important to get checked and follow all of the ways to reduce your risk for sun damage.”
This free event is open to all, but a pre-screening survey is required to schedule a skin cancer screening. To promote sun safety and help reduce the risk of skin cancer, personnel from the Union County Office of Health Management, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Summit Health Cares will be on site for the August 13th event to provide free skin cancer screenings and help residents learn about the “Choose Your Cover” message.
Overexposure to the sun is a health risk for people of all ages, races and skin tones. Before heading outdoors, a few simple precautions can protect your skin and lower your risk.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY:
Governor Murphy Signs Police Licensing Program Bill Into Law
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SECAUCUS – Governor Phil Murphy today signed S2742/A4194 into law, establishing a police licensing program for all New Jersey law enforcement officers. The new law will require all law enforcement officers to hold a valid, active license issued by the Police Training Commission (PTC) in order to be employed as officers in the State of New Jersey. Governor Murphy first proposed the legislation in May 2022 and the bill quickly moved through both the Senate and Assembly. New Jersey will become the 47th state to establish a police licensing program.
“I thank my legislative partners for acting quickly on passing this bill and sending it to my desk to sign today. This police licensing program will, formally and finally, recognize all who serve in law enforcement in our state as the specially trained and highly skilled professional they are,” said Governor Murphy. “Officers holding these licenses will be proven professionals who fulfill their duties with honesty and integrity, helping law enforcement strengthen and rebuild the bonds of trust between police and residents in the communities they serve, especially in our Black and Brown communities.”
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
Remarks by President Biden on Actions to Tackle the Climate Crisis
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I come here today with a message: As President, I have a responsibility to act with urgency and resolve when our nation faces clear and present danger. And that’s what climate change is about. It is literally, not figuratively, a clear and present danger.
The health of our citizens and our communities is literally at stake.
The U.N.’s leading international climate scientists called the latest climate report nothing less than, quote, “code red for humanity.” Let me say it again: “Code red for humanity.” It’s not a group of political officials — elected officials. These are the scientists.
We see here in America, in red states and blue states, extreme weather events costing $145 billion — $145 billion in damages just last year — more powerful and destructive hurricanes and tornadoes.
I’ve flown over the vast majority of them out west and down in Louisiana, all across America. It’s a — it’s amazing to see.
Ravaging hundred-year-old droughts occurring every few years instead of every hundred years. Wildfires out west that have burned and destroyed more than 5 million acres — everything in its path. That is more land than the entire state of New Jersey, from New York down to the tip of Delaware. It’s amazing. Five million acres.
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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 | | | | |
