Dear Jazz,

November arrives with an autumn chill, whispering the year's most heartfelt stories. It doesn’t just herald the onset of winter but a season rich with the warmth of gratitude for the courage of our nation's protectors. This month beckons us to gather close, not just in the comfort of our homes but in the embrace of our collective spirit of thankfulness. We honor our veterans, whose steadfast courage has woven the very freedom we cherish into the fabric of our lives, and offer thanks and gratitude for the love, companionship, and meaning that others bring into our existence.

By celebrating Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women who served our nation with courage. It’s a day to pay tribute, commemorate, and celebrate those who have served in the armed forces. Those who donned the nation's uniform and whose stories, etched into history, continue to inspire and guide us. As we honor these heroes, we're reminded that their sacrifices have laid the groundwork for the peace and prosperity we enjoy.

As we gather around the Thanksgiving table, we turn to the simple yet profound act of giving thanks—a tradition that unites us regardless of the paths we've walked. It's a moment that transcends the mundane, inviting us to pause and appreciate the myriad blessings in our lives.

I encourage you to dive into the city’s communications. Our website, newsletters, and social media channels bustle with the excitement of upcoming events, ensuring you remain at the heart of the city's pulse. Let these platforms be your gateway to our city's many experiences.

Ultimately, the essence of our city isn’t captured merely by the events we host or the holidays we celebrate. It's found in the rich tapestry of relationships we weave with each other—those unseen bonds that form the underlying structure of our community. As the year approaches its ebb, let’s carry the spirit of November in our hearts—the gratitude, the honor, and the deep-seated recognition of our shared humanity. Let’s love one another and Love Plainfield.



#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Noviembre llega con un frío otoñal que susurra las historias más sentidas del año. No solo presagia el inicio del invierno, sino una estación rica en calidez y gratitud por el coraje de los protectores de nuestra nación. Este mes nos invita a reunirnos cerca, no solo en la comodidad de nuestros hogares sino abrazando nuestro espíritu colectivo de agradecimiento. Honramos a nuestros veteranos, cuyo firme coraje ha tejido la libertad que apreciamos en el tejido de nuestras vidas, y ofrecemos agradecimiento por el amor, el compañerismo y el significado que otros aportan a nuestra existencia.

Al celebrar el Día de los Veteranos, honramos a los valientes hombres y mujeres que sirvieron a nuestra nación con valentía. Es un día para rendir homenaje, conmemorar y celebrar a quienes han servido en las fuerzas armadas. Aquellos que vistieron el uniforme de la nación y cuyas historias, grabadas en la historia, continúan inspirándonos y guiándonos. Al honrar a estos héroes, recordamos que sus sacrificios han sentado las bases para la paz y la prosperidad que disfrutamos.

Cuando nos reunimos alrededor de la mesa de Acción de Gracias, recurrimos al acto simple pero profundo de dar gracias, una tradición que nos une sin importar los caminos que hayamos recorrido. Es un momento que trasciende lo mundano y nos invita a hacer una pausa y apreciar las innumerables bendiciones de nuestras vidas.

Los animo a sumergiros en las comunicaciones de la ciudad. Nuestro sitio web, boletines informativos y canales de redes sociales están llenos de emoción por los próximos eventos, lo que garantiza que permanezca en el corazón del pulso de la ciudad. Deje que estas plataformas sean su puerta de entrada a las múltiples experiencias de nuestra ciudad.

En última instancia, la esencia de nuestra ciudad no se captura simplemente en los eventos que organizamos o las festividades que celebramos. Se encuentra en el rico tapiz de relaciones que tejemos entre nosotros: esos vínculos invisibles que forman la estructura subyacente de nuestra comunidad. A medida que el año se acerca a su fin, llevemos el espíritu de noviembre en nuestros corazones: la gratitud, el honor y el reconocimiento profundamente arraigado de nuestra humanidad compartida. Amémonos unos a otros y amemos a Plainfield.

#AmoPlainfield #LovePlainfield

Creating One Plainfield, One Future.

Creando Un Plainfield y Un Futuro

Mayor | Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp

City of Plainfield NJ

Elizabeth Urquhart, a proud Plainfield native born on June 13, 1931, was shaped by her education in the Plainfield Public School district and Kean University. Graduating from the Berg School of Real Estate, she dedicated her life to community service and civic engagement, marrying and raising three children – Joanne, Joseph, and Keith.

In her early years in Plainfield's West End, Elizabeth attended Mount Zion AME Church and maintained an open-door policy in her community until 1967. In 1981, she actively supported Everett Lattimore's historic campaign, contributing to his success as Plainfield's first black mayor.

From 1986 to 2002, Elizabeth served as the First Ward Councilwoman, with highlights including her role as Acting Mayor in 1988 under Rick Taylor. In 1991, she initiated the City Council's Advisory Budget Committee (CBAC), emphasizing citizen involvement in budgetary decisions.

Amid challenges in her first term, Elizabeth organized anti-violence marches, allocated funds for a new Senior Citizen building, and initiated Plainfield's inaugural National Night Out in 1988. In 2003, she received an appointment from former Governor James E. McGreevey as Commissioner for the Union County Board of Taxation, a position she held until her passing.

Elizabeth's impact extended beyond her professional accomplishments, as she actively participated in organizations like the Business and Professional Women and the League of Women Voters. The City of Plainfield honored her in May 2023 by renaming the former City Hall Library to the "Elizabeth Urquhart Library."

Known for her commitment to transparency, she conducted regular first-ward meetings and proposed the Citizen's Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC) in 1987, empowering constituents in budget decisions.

Elizabeth Urquhart, a stalwart advocate, passed away on November 9, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication to Plainfield.

Mayor’s Remarks - Liz Urquhart was a dedicated public servant who genuinely believed in service to her community. I first met her in 1996 when I first decided to enter the public arena. I got to know her when I took my seat on the Plainfield City Council in 1998 as an ambitious young man seeking to solve all of Plainfield’s problems. At that time Liz was a seasoned politician , who along with Malcolm Dunn, Joe Montgomery, Joe Scott, Helen Miller and Harold Mitchell  wanted the best for the city they loved. Liz was a fierce advocate for her constituents and wanted to ensure that they received the highest level of service from their government. She believed in public safety, hence her creation of National Night Out, in Plainfield, which has become an annual fixture. Upon leaving the City Council Liz went on to serve with distinction as a commissioner on the Union County Board of Taxation. Liz was the epitome of a true public servant. Our dedication of the library at City Hall, earlier this year, in her honor, was a recognition of her enormous contribution to the city. It will stand, as a reminder, to future generations, of the indelible mark that Elizabeth UrQuhart has left on the City of Plainfield.

Valeria Yancey Remarks - For over two decades, Liz has been more than a friend—she embodied kindness and warmth. Her entry into politics was a testament to her brilliance and intelligence, coupled with a deep understanding of the city's dynamics.

Liz's heart of gold shone through in her role as the chairperson at Rose of Sharon Church, 825 W. 7th Street. I'll forever cherish the moment she graciously mentored me, imparting invaluable insights on being a chairperson.

Liz's absence will be deeply felt. Her memory and influence will forever be etched in our hearts.

Commencing with the solemn blessings of wreaths for remembrance, our Veterans Day ceremony unfolded with the resonant toll of the bell precisely at 11 am on November 11, 2023, at the Elizabeth Urquhart Library. Reverend Bill Thompson from Miracle Baptist Church of Christ led us in an invocation, accompanied by a stirring rendition of "Hero" by Nspiration Hunter and a poignant recitation of the poem "Don't Quit." The national anthem, beautifully performed by third-grader Caleb Harris, echoed through the air, concluding with the solemn notes of TAPS.

A heartfelt thank you extends to American Legion Post 219 and its dedicated members, including Commander Cornell Hawkins Jr., Vice-Commander Lamar Mackson, Adjunct Hugh Criswell, and Finance Officer Nathan Erwin. Our appreciation also goes to VFW Memorial Post 7474 and its leadership, including Commander Sean Weeks, Senior Vice-Commander Ted Dwight, and Junior Vice-Commander Frank Coit.

Among the dignitaries present were Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, Chief of Staff Jazz Clayton-Hunt, Council President Charles McRae, Council Vice President Terri Briggs-Jones, Councilman Barry Goode, Councilman Robert Graham, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Commissioner Rebecca Williams, and Commander Cornell Hawkins Jr.



We express sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the meaningful Veterans Day celebration in the City of Plainfield. Your presence made this annual event truly special as we came together to honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation. May we persist in showing our ongoing respect and admiration for our heroes. Thank you once again for joining us in honoring our veterans.

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 Report It.

¡EJERCE TU DEBER CÍVICO!

¡Sed los ojos y los oídos de nuestra Ciudad! Sus informes pueden mejorar en gran medida la calidad de vida en nuestra comunidad de Plainfield. Trabajemos juntos para mantener nuestra ciudad segura. Si lo ve, dígalo con Report It.

ONE PLAINFIELD. ONE FUTURE.

Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.

Volume 10 - Issue 28