Facing the Heat: Plainfield's Commitment to Combating Global Warming | |
Dear Community Member,
As we enjoy the summer sun, there's no denying that it’s been unusually hot here in Plainfield. In fact, New Jersey is currently the fastest-warming state in the nation, and the heat we’ve felt this season is just a glimpse of what lies ahead. Last year was the hottest on record, and all signs suggest that this trend will continue unless we act now. This isn’t just about a few uncomfortable days—it’s about our future, our community, and our shared responsibility to address the challenges of global warming head-on.
Urban centers like Plainfield are feeling the effects of climate change more intensely than other areas. Parts of our city’s landscape, filled with concrete and asphalt, absorb and retain heat, making the summer days feel even hotter. But it’s not just about the temperature; the heat brings a ripple effect of challenges. Our energy systems are under strain, public health resources are stretched thin, and the risk of natural disasters is higher than ever. Our aging infrastructure, built in a different era, is struggling to keep up with these new and unpredictable weather patterns. This is not a distant issue; it’s here, right now, impacting our daily lives and threatening our most vulnerable neighbors.
As your Mayor, I want you to know that we’re not sitting idly by. We are actively working to modernize our infrastructure, ensuring that our roads, and public spaces can withstand the extreme weather events that are becoming more common. We’re investing in our parks and green spaces, which do more than just provide a place for recreation—they help cool our city and reduce the urban heat island effect. We’re also promoting energy efficiency and working to reduce Plainfield’s carbon footprint, aiming to make our city a leader in sustainability.
But let’s be clear: this isn’t something the city government can do alone. The fight against global warming requires all of us to roll up our sleeves and get involved. I urge every resident, every business, and every community organization in Plainfield to join in this effort. Participate in local initiatives like our "Clean The Queen" days to keep our city beautiful and environmentally friendly. Support the Shade Tree Commission in their vital work to protect and plant trees, which are essential for cooling our neighborhoods. Consider the small changes you can make in your own life—whether it’s using energy-efficient appliances, reducing waste, recycling, or simply being more mindful of your environmental impact.
Our collective actions will determine Plainfield's future. By coming together as a community, we can ensure that our beloved Queen City not only survives the challenges of climate change but thrives in the face of them. Let’s commit to this journey together for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and the generations to come.
I look forward to working with you as we continue to build a resilient and sustainable Plainfield. Together, we can make a difference.
#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield
Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
Sincerely,
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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Enfrentando el calor: el compromiso de Plainfield para combatir el calentamiento global | |
Querido(a) Community Member,
Mientras disfrutamos del sol de verano, no podemos negar que ha hecho un calor inusual aquí en Plainfield. De hecho, Nueva Jersey es actualmente el estado que se está calentando más rápido en la nación, y el calor que hemos sentido esta temporada es solo un adelanto de lo que nos espera. El año pasado fue el más caluroso registrado, y todo indica que esta tendencia continuará a menos que actuemos ahora. No se trata solo de unos pocos días incómodos, se trata de nuestro futuro, nuestra comunidad y nuestra responsabilidad compartida de abordar los desafíos del calentamiento global de frente.
Los centros urbanos como Plainfield están sintiendo los efectos del cambio climático con más intensidad que otras áreas. Partes del paisaje de nuestra ciudad, llenas de hormigón y asfalto, absorben y retienen el calor, lo que hace que los días de verano se sientan aún más calurosos. Pero no se trata solo de la temperatura; el calor trae consigo un efecto dominó de desafíos. Nuestros sistemas de energía están bajo presión, los recursos de salud pública están al límite y el riesgo de desastres naturales es mayor que nunca. Nuestra infraestructura envejecida, construida en una era diferente, está luchando por mantenerse al día con estos nuevos e impredecibles patrones climáticos. Este no es un problema lejano; está aquí, ahora mismo, afectando nuestra vida diaria y amenazando a nuestros vecinos más vulnerables.
Como su alcalde, quiero que sepan que no nos quedamos de brazos cruzados. Estamos trabajando activamente para modernizar nuestra infraestructura, asegurando que nuestras carreteras y espacios públicos puedan soportar los fenómenos meteorológicos extremos que se están volviendo más comunes. Estamos invirtiendo en nuestros parques y espacios verdes, que hacen más que simplemente proporcionar un lugar para la recreación: ayudan a enfriar nuestra ciudad y reducen el efecto de isla de calor urbana. También estamos promoviendo la eficiencia energética y trabajando para reducir la huella de carbono de Plainfield, con el objetivo de convertir a nuestra ciudad en un líder en sostenibilidad.
Pero seamos claros: esto no es algo que el gobierno de la ciudad pueda hacer solo. La lucha contra el calentamiento global requiere que todos nos arremanguemos y nos involucremos. Insto a todos los residentes, todas las empresas y todas las organizaciones comunitarias de Plainfield a que se unan a este esfuerzo. Participe en iniciativas locales como nuestros días de "Limpieza de la Reina" para mantener nuestra ciudad bella y respetuosa con el medio ambiente. Apoye a la Comisión de Árboles de Sombra en su trabajo vital para proteger y plantar árboles, que son esenciales para enfriar nuestros vecindarios. Considere los pequeños cambios que puede hacer en su propia vida, ya sea usar electrodomésticos de bajo consumo, reducir los desechos, reciclar o simplemente ser más consciente de su impacto ambiental.
Nuestras acciones colectivas determinarán el futuro de Plainfield. Al unirnos como comunidad, podemos garantizar que nuestra querida Queen City no solo sobreviva a los desafíos del cambio climático, sino que prospere frente a ellos. Comprometámonos a emprender este viaje juntos por el bien de nuestros hijos, nuestros nietos y las generaciones futuras.
Espero trabajar con usted mientras continuamos construyendo una Plainfield resistente y sostenible. Juntos, podemos marcar la diferencia.
#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.
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Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp
Ciudad de Plainfield
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"The Albert "Al" McWilliams Bike Trail Dedication"
August 16, 2024
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On August 16th, a beautiful day filled with both reflection and celebration, our community came together to honor the legacy of the late Mayor Albert T. McWilliams with the dedication of a new bike trail in his name. This bike trail is but one section of a seven mile stretch through multiple towns. The event was a powerful reminder of the impact one man can have on the lives of so many.
Things opened with the National Anthem, led by the talented April Haynes - a retired chorus member of the New York Metropolitan Opera. Mayor Mapp shared some personal stories that emphasized the profound influence Mayor McWilliams had on his political journey. Several distinguished guests offered words as well, including Council President Steve Hockaday, Commissioner Rebecca Williams, and members of the McWilliams family.
Mayor McWilliams' son Albert shared an excerpt from an essay of his father’s, which communicated the idea of strong relationships being essential building blocks for better communities. This theme of community driven connections resonated throughout the entire event, as the late Mayor’s legacy of impact and family was on full display.
The event concluded with a ceremonial bike ride along the newly dedicated trail, a fitting tribute to a man who loved cycling in the city he served. The trail, which runs for nearly half a mile and is surrounded by natural beauty, symbolizes the journey of community connection and growth that Mayor McWilliams championed.
As we continue to enjoy this new trail, let us remember the words and deeds of Mayor Albert T. McWilliams and strive to uphold the values he held dear—community, family, and the tireless pursuit of a better future for all.
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"Second Annual Queen City Street Fair"
August 17, 2024
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The festive air of the Queen City Street Fair spread through our downtown area this past weekend. Over four thousand people made an appearance at North and Gavett, embodying a remarkable display of Plainfield pride!
The day was packed with energy from start to finish. Attendees enjoyed the breathtaking carnival rides, including the full-sized ferris wheel which offered one-of-a-kind views of the city. Food lovers got to experience a diverse range of delicious offerings, and local vendors presented their wares to the people passing by. The car show, hosted by GWiz Auto, captured the gaze of many with a spectacular lineup of customized vehicles.
Music lovers lacked nothing with three DJ stations keeping the mood festive. DJ Storm Norm, DJ Troy, and DJ Suko simultaneously delivered electrifying sets that moved the crowd, but the DJ battle added an extra layer of excitement as each DJ brought their best to the stage. The event also included a range of carnival games and amazing giveaways, where visitors walked away with t-shirts, book bags, and even some brand new Love Plainfield umbrellas. To top it off, two lucky residents got to head home with their own brand-new iPads!
Even with a little bit of rain, residents still danced by the main stage until the very end! The Queen City Street Fair embodied the life and atmosphere that makes Plainfield unique. You definitely won't want to miss out next year!
#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield
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City of Plainfield Celebrates National Night Out
August 20th, 2024
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The fun didn’t end with the weekend though, as National Night Out brought the people together three days later. Despite the initial weather delay, Black Lives Matter Plaza was packed with community spirit.
Captain John Henderson guided us into a beautiful performance of the National Anthem by PAAS Senior Anaiah Ruiz, which was followed by a welcome from the Plainfield Police Department Director James Abney. Remarks were offered by Council President Steve G. Hockaday, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, and County Commissioner Rebecca Williams, highlighting the value of building bridges with the local community.
DJ Cal Boogie and DJ Tony Perez set the tone as the crowd witnessed performances from Queen City Dollz and Kingz, the Jam Steppers, and Stepping 95 who put on a fantastic step demonstration. The 40+ Double Dutch Club also took over the City Hall steps, and wowed the crowd with a mix of hula hooping and dynamic displays of double dutch mastery! Members of the administration could be seen enjoying the show from the crowd, and Councilwoman Terri Briggs-Jones joined the Jam Steppers in their line dance routines!
On top of that, the City Council presented the Plainfield Community Service Awards to individuals from each ward that embody community-minded values. The 1st Ward winner was Monya Taylor Davis. The award in the 2nd Ward was presented to Jill Fraser. In the 3rd Ward, the winner was Lynn Anderson-Person. And bringing home the award for the 4th Ward was Bridget B. Rivers. Director Abney also offered a presentation to members of the Plainfield Police Department, acknowledging their dedicated and intentional outpouring for the youth of our city.
After the ceremony, things got going with a guest performance from Kenny Bobien, who brought the Zanzibar vibes for the people to move their feet! Attendees grabbed some free food, tried their hand at double dutch, and visited the range of tables providing quality resources to the community. And last but not least, Curb Appeal Car Club ran their annual car show at the Watchung Avenue Circle alongside Joker’s Wild MC! The event was one for the books, and emphasized the value of police-community partnership!
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Union County Residents Seeking Information About Senior Services Can Visit Their Local Aging Services Kiosk (“ASK”) This September | |
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August 23, 2024
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and their caregivers to visit their local “ASK”, or Aging Services Kiosk, this September. These services provide an opportunity for attendees to meet with experienced professionals who can offer expert guidance on senior programs and resources and help with form completion. Bilingual staff will be available at several events to offer support in Spanish.
“With all of the amazing technological advances we have today, there is still something truly special and personal about having a face-to-face conversation. Our ASK events are designed to make it easy and convenient for seniors and caregivers to stop by their local library and connect with our friendly and knowledgeable staff in person,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “I encourage our senior community to visit one of our ASK events this month to receive the guidance and resources they need.”
The ASK program is administered by the Division on Aging within Union County’s Department of Human Services. It offers adults aged 60 and older and their caregivers a friendly and convenient avenue to discover valuable programs and services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.
Staff at the ASK events can also help older adults and caregivers connect with various services, including home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or caregiver can visit any kiosk, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in September:
Wednesday, September 4th
(Bilingual staff is available)
Union Public Library
1060 Stuyvesant Avenue, Roselle
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday, September 10th
Westfield Memorial Library
550 East Broad Street, Westfield
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday, September 17th
(Bilingual staff is available)
Elizabeth Public Library – Main
11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Thursday, September 19th
(Bilingual staff is available)
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue, Clark
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesday, September 25th
Cranford Public Library
224 Walnut Avenue, Cranford
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
“The Division on Aging is dedicated to promoting the self-sufficiency and dignity of our senior community by providing access to essential resources including transportation, home-delivered meals, and caregiving resources,” Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “We are committed to supporting our elderly residents as they embark on this new chapter of life. Please reach out to our Division on Aging or visit one of our Aging Services Kiosks whenever you have questions or need assistance.”
For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.
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Governor Murphy Announces Elimination of $100 Million in Medical Debt for Almost 50,000 New Jerseyans | |
August 20, 2024
Debt Abolishment is Result of Partnership with Undue Medical Debt
TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today announced that thousands of eligible individuals and families across New Jersey are set to have some or all of their medical debt eliminated as part of a major initiative to make health care more affordable and accessible. By leveraging over $550 thousand in American Rescue Plan funds and partnering with Undue Medical Debt (Undue), the administration is delivering relief to 17,905 New Jersey residents who had owed $61.6 million to Prime Healthcare hospitals and an additional 31,748 residents owing more than $38.4 million to other providers through the secondary debt market, primarily collections agencies. Prime Healthcare partnered with Undue to sell qualifying, unpayable medical debts for relief.
“When someone is sick or injured, they should be able to focus on what matters most – getting better – rather than worrying about how they will pay for the life-saving care and services rendered to them. New Jerseyans should not have to scrimp and save to ensure their basic health care needs are met, or to pay down lofty medical debts resulting from tragic accidents or devastating diagnoses,” said Governor Murphy. “Medical debt accumulates very quickly and can follow a person for decades. With this strategic investment and our partnership with Undue, we are wiping the slate clean for thousands of New Jersey families, eliminating their debt, and making a real, tangible impact on their lives. Today’s announcement continues our momentum in creating a better, more affordable, and accessible health care system for all New Jersey residents.”
“Once again, through Governor Murphy’s leadership, we are supporting NJ residents and families through immediate and direct relief while also changing policy to ensure systemic and lasting change and protections,” said Shabnam Salih, Director of the Office of Health Care Affordability and Transparency. “Today’s announcement will lift the burden of medical debt from tens of thousands of NJ residents and families, and with the Governor’s signing, just last month, of the Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act, more New Jerseyans are shielded against the unfair consequences of credit reporting of medical debt, amongst other protections.”
This announcement follows the signing of the Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act, which safeguards New Jersey families from accumulating medical debt, protects against predatory medical debt collectors, and prohibits the reporting of medical debt to credit reporting agencies. New Jersey is a leading state in consumer protection policies and supports for residents, being one of only five states in the nation that both prohibits medical debt reporting to credit agencies and has allocated funding to provide residents with direct medical debt relief.
“As the leader of a nonprofit based in the tri-state area it’s thrilling to see this magnitude of medical debt relief for New Jersey residents across the state,” said Allison Sesso, CEO and president of Undue Medical Debt. “We hope the tens of thousands of recipients in this first wave of medical debt relief are encouraged to re-engage with the healthcare system and feel both financial and emotional relief. No one chooses to get sick, be in an accident or have a chronic illness and we look forward to helping even more people over the course of this partnership with New Jersey government.”
“We are thrilled to join into this partnership which furthers our mission of ‘Saving Hospitals, Saving Jobs, Saving Lives,’” said Sonia Mehta, MD, CEO Region II, Corporate Chief Medical Officer and Chief Academic Officer for Prime Healthcare. “We commend Gov. Murphy’s leadership and are proud to team up with Undue Medical Debt on this initiative that will relieve crippling medical debt for so many patients, many of whom are vulnerable, while providing exceptional, compassionate care to all members of the community.”
There is no application process for medical debt relief. Undue works with hospital systems across the country to purchase large, bundled portfolios of past-due medical debt belonging to those least able to pay. Instead of trying to collect, Undue erases the debt.
Those who qualify for medical debt relief are either four times or below the federal poverty level or have medical debts that equal 5% or more of their annual income. These are the only criteria for relief. Undue has worked with Prime Healthcare and other New Jersey-based health care providers to identify unpaid medical debts that qualify for erasure. This is a one-time abolishment to help remove the financial and emotional burden of unpayable medical debts. Medical debt relief is source-based, depending on community-minded providers like hospitals who choose to engage, and it cannot be requested.
Those benefiting from medical debt relief will receive an Undue branded letter in the mail beginning Monday, August 19, 2024. Learn more about Undue here.
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Statement from Vice President Kamala Harris on the Passing of Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. | |
August 22, 2024
Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. was a dedicated public servant and an unwavering force for good who knew that government is at its best when it is delivering for the people. From his time in City Hall and the State House to his nearly three decades of service in the House of Representatives, Congressman Pascrell fought to improve the lives of his constituents, his fellow New Jerseyans, and our fellow Americans.
While in Congress, Representative Pascrell was focused on issues that have a direct impact on the health, wellbeing, and safety of families. He was a fierce advocate for health care, to the benefit of millions of Americans who are now able to see a doctor, afford their prescriptions, and get the care they need and deserve. He was a champion for the environment – fighting for clean air, safe drinking water, and our public lands. As a veteran, he founded the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force to raise awareness of the dangers of traumatic brain injuries. And as chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus and the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, he protected those who protect all of us by spearheading legislation to meet the needs of first responders.
Congressman Pascrell should also be applauded for his leadership on the House Ways and Means Committee where he fought for middle-class families. He worked tirelessly to increase the minimum wage, invest in our small businesses, and protect American workers. His initiatives advanced economic opportunity and made our tax system more fair.
This belief in using public service to improve lives was nothing new for Congressman Pascrell. He proudly served our nation in the United States Army and Army reserves. He spent more than a decade teaching our children in the classroom. He served his neighbors as Mayor of Paterson. And he delivered transformative investments while working across the aisle in the State Assembly and as Minority Leader.
For the Congressman, there was no project too small or idea too big. Those who knew Representative Pascrell well knew that he was perhaps most proud of the fact that he lived his entire life in his beloved Paterson, NJ. During his lifetime of service to this community, he successfully fought to recognize his childhood park and the crown jewel of Paterson as the Great Falls National Historical Park. He also helped restore one of the only remaining Negro League stadiums left in America.
Doug and I send our prayers to his wife, Elsie, their three children, and their six grandchildren. We will be thinking of the Congressman’s friends, constituents, and all those who knew him in the days and weeks ahead. His legacy will live on for generations.
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future. | | | | |