The Importance of Fathers |
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Dear Friend,
On Sunday, we celebrate Father's Day. It's a time to recognize and celebrate fatherhood, to acknowledge all the men who have stepped up to be a positive paternal influence in a child's life. Many men become fathers but never fully live up to the expectations of fatherhood; some are absent, some become abusive, others, for whatever reason, fail to be the source of security and empowerment that a father should be for a child.
On the other hand, some men step into the void that may exist in a child's life and become a father. On Sunday, we celebrate men who give their time, support, and love to a child. Whether biological or by another path, you have chosen to make a difference as an influential male figure in a child's life, and that is a gift whose value is beyond measure.
Fathers, like mothers, are pillars in the development of a child's emotional well-being. Children look to their fathers or male authority figures to provide a feeling of security, both physical and emotional. Children want to make their fathers proud, and an involved father promotes inner growth and strength. Studies have shown that when fathers are affectionate and supportive, it dramatically affects a child's cognitive and social development. It also instills an overall sense of well-being and self-confidence.
As a child raised without the presence of a father, I was determined to be different. When my first daughter was born, I was overwhelmed with the thought of the daunting responsibility that lay before me, I had this little person that now depended on me for every single thing, and I was deathly afraid of failing her. In the ensuing years, I worked hard, and I cherished every moment that I could share with my children. Furthermore, I tried to provide the best life that I possibly could for them. The realization that hit me as my children grew is that I didn't have to be a perfect father; I didn't have to be the richest, the smartest, or the most handsome; all they wanted was for me to be there and to love and support them.
To all the fathers and men who stepped up to become fathers and those who have had to be both father and mother, we are grateful for you and all you do. To those who have loved a child unconditionally and given them the support they need to grow and thrive, you have made a difference in their lives and made our families and community stronger.
To those who celebrate the memory of a father on this day, I can only imagine that there are bittersweet feelings; however, I hope the joy you shared and the beautiful memories will bring a smile to your face. To those fortunate enough to celebrate with a father or father figure, I hope you use this opportunity to say thank you. I hope you find a way to tell him how much he's appreciated and cherish the fact that he cared enough to be there for you.
I salute all the fathers, and wish you a Happy Father's Day surrounded by your loved ones.
Creating One Plainfield, One Future
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Querido Friend,
El domingo, celebramos el Día del Padre. Es un momento para reconocer y celebrar la paternidad, para reconocer a todos los hombres que han dado un paso adelante para ser una influencia paterna positiva en la vida de un niño. Muchos hombres se convierten en padres, pero no siempre están a la altura de las expectativas de la paternidad; algunos están ausentes, algunos se vuelven abusivos, otros, por cualquier razón, no son la fuente de seguridad y empoderamiento que un padre debe ser para un niño.
Por otro lado, algunos hombres entran en el vacío que puede existir en la vida de un niño y se convierten en un padre. El domingo, celebramos a los hombres que dan su tiempo, apoyo y amor a un niño. Sea biológico o por otro camino, usted ha elegido hacer una diferencia como una figura masculina influyente en la vida de un niño, y ese es un regalo cuyo valor es imposible medir.
Los padres, al igual que las madres, son pilares en el desarrollo del bienestar emocional de un niño. Los niños miran a sus padres o figuras de autoridad masculinas para proporcionar una sensación de seguridad, tanto física como emocional. Los niños buscan hacer que sus padres se sientan orgullosos, y un padre involucrado promueve el crecimiento interno y la fuerza. Estudios han demostrado que cuando los padres son cariñosos y dan apoyo, este acto afecta drásticamente el desarrollo cognitivo y social de un niño. También inculca una sensación general de bienestar y confianza en sí mismo.
Como un niño criado sin la presencia de un padre, yo estaba decidido a ser diferente. Cuando nació mi primera hija, estaba abrumado con la idea de la enorme responsabilidad que tenía ante mí, tenía esta pequeña persona que ahora dependía de mí para cada cosa, y está muerto de miedo de fallarle. En los años siguientes, trabajé duro y valore cada momento que podía compartir con mis hijos. Además, traté de proporcionarles la mejor vida posible. La realización que me golpeó a medida que mis hijos crecían es que no tenía que ser un padre perfecto; no tenía que ser el más rico, ni el más inteligente o el más guapo; todo lo que querían era que yo estuviera allí y que los ame y los apoye.
A todos los padres y hombres que dieron un paso adelante para convertirse en padres y a aquellos que han tenido que ser tanto padre como madre, estamos agradecidos por ustedes y por todo lo que hacen. Para aquellos que han amado a un niño incondicionalmente y les han dado el apoyo que necesitan para crecer y prosperar, ustedes han hecho una diferencia en sus vidas y han hecho que nuestras familias y comunidad sean más fuertes.
Para aquellos que celebran la memoria de un padre en este día, sólo puedo imaginar que hay sentimientos agridulces; sin embargo, espero que la alegría que compartiste y los hermosos recuerdos te traigan una sonrisa a la cara. A aquellos que tienen la suerte de celebrar con un padre o con una figura paterna, espero que aprovechen esta oportunidad para darles las gracias. Espero que encuentres una manera de decirle cuánto lo aprecias y valoras el hecho de que se preocupó lo suficiente como para estar allí para ti.
Saludo a todos los padres, y les deseo un Feliz Día del Padre rodeado de sus seres queridos.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, the City Council
and Administration Wishes You a
Happy Father's Day
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The Significance of a Father's Influence |
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Is there any real evidence that dads really have a uniquely important impact in the lives of their children? Our culture seems to place little value on the role of fathers. I see evidence of this everywhere, from pop culture and media to government policy. My own experience and belief system tell me that fatherhood is important, but I'd like to be able to explain exactly why this is the case. Can you help me?
Your intuitions are right on the mark. We can cite a host of reputable studies to prove it.
Dr. David Popenoe, Professor of Sociology at Rutgers University and Co-Director of the National Marriage Project, has provided us with a good summary and overview of the subject. Here’s what he has to say:
- Fathers are far more than just “second adults” in the home. Involved fathers – especially biological fathers – bring positive benefits to their children that no other person is as likely to bring. They provide protection and economic support and male role models. They have a parenting style that is significantly different from that of a mother and that difference is important in healthy child development. David Popenoe, Life Without Father, (New York: The Free Press, 1996), p. 163.
One of the most vital aspects of a dad’s contribution to the lives of his kids lies precisely in what Dr. Popenoe calls his “significantly different parenting style.” Men and women are different. As a result mothers and fathers parent their children differently.
Dads, for instance, love their children “more dangerously.” That’s because they play “rougher” and are more likely to encourage risk-taking. They provide kids with a broader diversity of social experiences. They also introduce them to a wider variety of methods of dealing with life. They tend to stress rules, justice, fairness, and duty in discipline. In this way, they teach children the objectivity and consequences of right and wrong. They give kids insight into the world of men. They prepare them for the challenges of life and demonstrate by example the meaning of respect between the sexes. In connection with this last point, research indicates that a married father is substantially less likely to abuse his wife or children than men in any other category.
Fathers encourage competition, engendering independence. Mothers promote equity, creating a sense of security. Dads emphasize conceptual communication, which helps kids expand their vocabulary and intellectual capacities. Moms major in sympathy, care, and help, thus demonstrating the importance of relationships. Dads tend to see their child in relation to the rest of the world. Moms tend to see the rest of the world in relation to their child. Neither style of parenting is adequate in and of itself. Taken together, they balance each other out and equip the up-and-coming generation with a healthy, well-rounded approach to life.
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PRESS RELEASE | Police Director
Lisa Burgess Resigns Position
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Police Director Lisa Burgess Resigns Position.
Captain David M. Guarino Named Officer in Charge
Effective June 23, 2021, Ms. Lisa Burgess will no longer hold the position of Plainfield Police Director.
Citing personal reasons, Director Burgess has concluded that it is in her best interest to step down from her current position. Over the past 35 years, Director Burgess has served the Plainfield Police department honorably and presented nothing but excellence in all her endeavors. During her time with the department, Director Burgess has worn many hats, ranging from her time spent with the Union County Prosecutor's Office to the Domestic Violence Unit Supervisor. On January 7, 2016, Director Burgess became the City's first African American female Lieutenant, and on May 17, 2019, she took the oath as the first female Police Director for the City of Plainfield. Thanks to Director Burgess's hard work and dedication, the Plainfield Police department was able to successfully navigate many obstacles, including a global pandemic and the protests following the murder of George Floyd. Director Burgess will be missed.
Captain David M. Guarino will be the Officer in Charge of the Department for day to day operations. Captain Guarino is a 35-year veteran officer of the Plainfield police department who has handled numerous assignments throughout his years. Captain Guarino started as a Patrol officer but was transferred to the Narcotics Unit. In subsequent years, his commitment and passion for upholding the law led to his promotion to Sergeant in 1998, Lieutenant in 2001, and finally to Captain on August 30, 2013. Today, besides attending to his duties as Captain, David Guarino is also the primary organizer of the Quality of Life Task Force for the City of Plainfield. He supervises the Record/Service Bureau and facility management of the division.
"We appreciate the time, effort, and dedication that Director Burgess has given to the Plainfield community in her capacity first as a Police Officer and then as the Police Director. We respect her wishes to move on to the next chapter in her life, and we wish her the very best." Said Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, "We'll ensure that Plainfield's best interests are served by finding someone equally as capable of leading our Police Department. We thank Captain Guarino for his willingness to step up and lead during this time of transition. We are confident that he will serve with the same steadfastness and integrity that he has displayed throughout his career."
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HAPPY JUNETEENTH | JUNE 19th |
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The City of Plainfield is proud to announce the first production of M.PoWeR Arts, the 2021-2022 Theater Artists in Residence, a Pilot Program at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center. The one-year City of Plainfield Theater Artist in Residence Pilot Program is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Not My 4th of July, an original Juneteenth production is created and directed by Onyx Keesha, the Executive Director M. PoWeR Arts. The play was written by M. PoWeR's frequent collaborators, Myra McDonald and Danielle Tucker, and filmed at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center. Not My 4th of July is an experience told through song, dance, spoken word, and monologue, and 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐂𝐓𝐕 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟗𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏.
The play captures Frederick Douglass, the man, and the message. Set to a modern and historical soundtrack, a young girl is called to give a speech after a tragic event. Wondering if her voice matters, she is apprehensive and looks to the legacy of Douglass to give her strength to use her voice to invoke change. The production features a multi-generational cast, ages 13-66, and highlights Frederick Douglass' most famous speech set to the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter Movement. Director Onyx Keesha believes the production is "sure to inspire, enlighten and educate."
To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.
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What is Juneteenth?
The Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, but it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as "Juneteenth," by the newly freed people in Texas.
The post-emancipation period known as Reconstruction (1865-1877) marked an era of great hope, uncertainty, and struggle for the nation as a whole. Formerly enslaved people immediately sought to reunify families, establish schools, run for political office, push radical legislation and even sue slaveholders for compensation. Given the 200+ years of enslavement, such changes were nothing short of amazing. Not even a generation out of slavery, African Americans were inspired and empowered to transform their lives and their country.
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CITY OF PLAINFIELD | NOW ACCEPTING ONLINE PAYMENTS |
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GREAT NEWS! The City of Plainfield is now accepting online credit card and eCheck payments for the following divisions and departments:
Clerk's Office
Inspections Division
Health Division
Health Division - Animal Licenses
Tax Collection Office
Please refer any questions or concerns to communications@plainfieldnj.gov.
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Criminal Justice Reform Act Press Conference
on June 15th
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On Tuesday, June 15th Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, joined fellow mayors from the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association, for a press conference to address the New Jersey Criminal Justice Reform Act. The Bail Reform Act, which was enacted on January 1st, 2017, includes specific permissions regarding the release of inmates with gun possession charges. In a call to action to keep shooters behind bars Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, Mayor Andre Sayegh, Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Mayor Reed Gusciora, Mayor Dahlia Vertreese, and Mayor Donald Shaw took a collective stand to keep New Jersey residents safe.
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NJ Special Olympics Torch Run | June 11th |
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On Friday, June 11th, our very own Police department participated in the NJ special Olympic Torch Run. More than three thousand officers from across the state took to the streets and ran the "Flame of Hope" throughout the Garden State. This annual Law Enforcement Fundraiser, which consisted of 26 separate routes and reached nearly 750 miles this year, is dedicated to the provision of year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities .
The handoff of the "Flame of Hope" from Scotch Plain's Police department to our officers took place at the corner of Terrill Road and Front St at approximately 12 PM.
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#LOVEPLAINFIELD | #AMOPLAINFIELD
SPOTLIGHT
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This year's spring newsletter is dedicated to the Love Plainfield campaign, which was launched on March 9, 2021. Take the time to learn about what's new in Plainfield. As we move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic it is important that we stay connected, stay informed, and continue to work as "One Plainfield."
*Please Click on the image below for access to the newsletter*
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What is #LOVEPLAINFIELD?
#LovePlainfield is a movement to instill pride in our City while we showcase the culture, art, commerce, spirit, and natural beauty of Plainfield and the people who live here.
Here a friendly smile, beautiful architecture, old world neighborhoods, world class music and eclectic dining are never more than a few steps away. We believe that community is something to be cherished.
We believe that this is an amazing place to live, work, and play. It’s time to show that we’re a lot more than just an urban melting pot. It’s time to showcase our diversity, embrace our differences, celebrate our uniqueness, and clean our spaces, and unify to cherish this place we call home.
Keep posting your photos and videos about why you LOVE Plainfield and use the hashtags.
#LovePlainfield #LovePlainfieldNJ #AmoPlainfield
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UNION COUNTY: Commissioner Board
Will Raise the Juneteenth Flag at the Union County Courthouse
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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite the public to attend the second annual Juneteenth Flag raising ceremony on Saturday, June 19, at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.
The Juneteenth Flag was created in 1997 to commemorate June 19, 1865, when the citizens of Galveston, Texas were finally notified about the abolition of slavery. President Lincoln had signed the Proclamation of Emancipation more than two years earlier, on January 1, 1863.
“By raising this flag, we recognize Juneteenth as a date that marks a formative event in American history, affirms the enduring achievements of African Americans, and looks forward to the continued fight for progress and equality,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are very proud to join municipalities and organizations in Union County that are also celebrating Juneteenth.”
In addition to the flag raising ceremony, Union County is co-sponsoring several local events in celebration of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth is among the longest-running celebrations of emancipation in the United States, though its place in popular culture was obscured by segregationist policies during the 20th century. More recently, interest in Juneteenth has surged as a way to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and recognize their foundational role in the nation’s history from the arrival of the first slave ship from Africa in America in 1619, up to the present day.
New Jersey has officially recognized Juneteenth Day as a state holiday, and this week the U.S. Senate passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday. The bill must pass the House and be signed by President Joe Biden to become law.
“The raising of the Juneteenth Flag highlights the contributions of African-Americans in our diverse community and in our nation. As a woman with family born, raised and currently living in Galveston, Texas, I also have a very personal connection to Juneteenth, and I am proud to see Union County honor this date in history,” said Commissioner Board Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams.
Out of 21 counties in New Jersey, less than half have recognized the date as a county holiday. The number of counties honoring the state law will grow in 2022, as Union County, as well as Middlesex County, plan to join Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Somerset, Sussex and Passaic in recognizing Juneteenth as a County holiday. Other counties are undecided.
“As each county, including our own, continues to recognize the nation’s history as a painful one, it becomes all the more clear that the universal power and resiliency of the human spirit, love of country, and determination to build a better future for all must have a day of celebration, as well as a day for honoring our ancestors, and uniting and educating ourselves and the greater community about the significance of Juneteenth,” said Commissioner, Dr. Angela R. Garretson. “We are very proud to raise the Juneteenth Flag in recognition of the end to the historic practice of slavery, and in honor of the freedom of all people in the United States.”
“The Juneteenth flag is composed of specific symbols that tell the story, and the one that resonates the most to me is the arc across the middle of the flag. Like a horizon in the distance, it represents the promise of the future and the road we must travel to get there. We proudly welcome the entire Union County community to join us for this special flag raising ceremony,” said Commissioner Andrea Staten.
The flag-raising ceremony will include readings from the Proclamation of Emancipation and from the State Senate bill that established Juneteenth Day as a public holiday in New Jersey.
For more information about the Juneteenth Flag ceremony, contact James Pellettiere, Clerk of the Board at jpellettiere@ucnj.org or 908-527-4140.
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Ending Moratorium on Utility Shutoffs, Establishes Six-Month Grace Period
for All Customers
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Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 246, ending the moratorium on utility shutoffs as of July 1, 2021, that was put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 246, ending the moratorium on utility shutoffs as of July 1, 2021, that was put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Executive Order also establishes a sixth-month grace period in which strong customer protections that were put in place through the moratorium will continue through December 31, 2021, giving customers facing utility arrearages the opportunity to sign up for payment assistance plans. The grace period also enables the state to consider how it could leverage federal funding to expand eligibility criteria so more customers could apply for assistance plans. During the grace period, no residential customers will face disconnection of their gas, electric, or water, services before the end of the grace period on December 31.
Additionally, households with residential internet service accounts currently in effect that are being used by school-aged children for educational purposes will also be protected from disconnection. The grace period will terminate on December 31, 2021, for all customers. The annual Winter Termination program will remain in effect and preclude electric or gas shutoffs for certain households, including some seniors and low-income families, through March 15, 2022.
“Many of our impacted New Jersey families are just now getting their financial feet back under them after a very tough year,” said Governor Murphy. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to work with their utility provider and enroll in a fair and equitable payment option to ensure that vital, and in some cases life-preserving, services are maintained. Let me be clear, even with this step today, no one will face disconnection of their gas, electric, or water services before the end of the grace period on December 31 and we fully expect every utility provider to work with their customers in good faith.”
“NJBPU has tremendous empathy for the economic difficulties many of our fellow New Jerseyans have faced as a result of the pandemic,” said New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “As we begin to return to a sense of normalcy, NJBPU and Governor Murphy continue to focus on helping anyone who has fallen behind on paying their utility bills. During the grace period following the end of the moratorium, we urge anyone who has struggled to pay their bills to apply for our assistance programs and to contact their utility to make payment arrangements.”
“Even though the moratorium on utility shutoffs is coming to an end, we won’t be abandoning our commitment to helping New Jerseyans get through this public health crisis,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “Now that the restrictions are being lifted and people who have been out of work are reentering employment this 6-month grace period will allow people time to apply for assistance and get the help they need now. We encourage people to apply for help with their utility bills and arrears by visiting nj.gov/dca/dcaid.”
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FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
Statement From Senior Advisor and Chief Spokesperson Symone Sanders on Vice President Kamala Harris’s Meeting With Immigrant Women Who Work in
the Care Economy
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WHEN AMERICAN FAMILIES DO WELL, OUR NATION THRIVES |
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On the ninth anniversary of the creation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Vice President Kamala Harris met with immigrant women who work in the care economy, including two DACA recipients. U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (NJ) and Dick Durbin (IL), as well as Ai-Jen Poo and Jessica Morales Rocketto of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, also participated.
The Vice President heard directly from two DACA recipients, Scarleth Herrera Lopez and Gloria Elizabeth Blanco; two Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients, Melissa Larette and Rukmani Bhattari Adhikari; and two green card holders, Yaquelin Lopez Chavez and Gilda Blanco. The women told the Vice President about the challenges they face on the frontlines during the pandemic, and how they and their loved ones have experienced the U.S. immigration system. The Vice President thanked the women for the critically important work they do, for their courage, and for sharing their personal stories with her and the group.
During the conversation, the Vice President reiterated the urgent need for Congress to create a clear pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, farmworkers, and individuals with Temporary Protected Status, and she called on the U.S. Senate to pass the American Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. She thanked Chairman Durbin for his leadership on the American Dream and Promise Act, and Chairman Menendez for his leadership on the U.S. Citizenship Act.
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Issue or Concern ? Report it |
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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 your 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 below or by going to your phone's app store. Your reports will be submitted to the appropriate city department, and the city will work to resolve the issue or complaint.
You have the power to be the eyes and ears of our city! Your reports can greatly increase the quality of life in Plainfield. Let's work together to keep our city safe- If you see it, say it with Report It.
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As we navigate these uncertain times please know that everyone at City Hall is working to ensure that you are safe, secure and healthy. If you need anything addition please contact us at 908.753.3000
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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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