August 2017

Aug. 1 is National Night Out!  
       Join Bloomfield Police and the Recreation Department for the Township's National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 1. The fun starts at 6 p.m. with the Guns & Hoses softball game between Bloomfield police and firefighters, an annual rivalry not to be missed.
       At 7:30 p.m., the live music begins with "Steppin' Out," the popular band specializing in R&B, Motown and Top 40. It's the last of the 2017 Summer Concert Series. Attendees will enjoy free pizza, drinks, amusements and give-aways.
      Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. at Foley Field. (Bring blankets, chairs. No outside food or beverages. Foley Field is smoke-free and only properly designated service animals are allowed in the facility.)
DINE OUT in Bloomfield    

Bloomfield Restaurant Week: Aug. 5-13
       More than 20 new and established restaurants will share their fan favorites and new dishes during the sixth annual Bloomfield Restaurant Week, happening Aug. 5 to 13, The deals will include lunch specials and dinner selections priced at $30 or less (excluding drinks, taxes and tips). For a list of participating restaurants, see the event website or Facebook.

Related offers and events during the week include:      
       Kids' movie at Washington Street, "The Secret Life of Pets"
       Drop & Dine child-watching service at the Civic Center
       Two-hour complimentary parking
Learn more about Restaurant Week enticements.

Dinner Under the Stars / Pop-Up Galleries: Aug. 11 and 25 
       Bloomfield Center Alliance offers entertainment-enhanced dining for two more Fridays in August, when Washington Street restaurants host al fresco dining from their regular menus.
       Aug. 11 - music, quiet party with Curtis, movie night with Bloomfield Recreation (see Restaurant Week above), and a pop-up art gallery at 78 Washington Street.
       Aug. 25 - singer Autumn Turner of The Voice, and pop-up art gallery (same address).

Golfers! Sign up for these charitable golf outings     
  • The Hank Barlow Memorial Golf Outing takes place Wednesday, Aug. 2 at Farmstead Golf & Country Club in Lafayette, NJ. Proceeds will benefit the Bloomfield Recreation special needs program. The $100 fee includes greens fee, cart, BBQ buffet lunch, gifts and awards. The shotgun start is at 8 a.m. Pre-register at the Civic Center or e-mail msceurman@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
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  • The Bloomfield PBA Golf Outing is set for Tuesday, Aug. 29 at Crystal Springs Golf Course in Hamburg, NJ. The 16th annual event is a fundraiser for the charitable activities of PBA Local #32. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.; shotgun start at 9 a.m. The $150 per person fee includes continental breakfast, lunch, dinner, refreshments, greens fee, golf cart, door prizes and range balls. Sign up by Aug. 15. Details at (973) 680-4116, or on Facebook.
Let's walk together    
      Join the new one-hour group walks at Watsessing Park, scheduled between now and October. Dates are Aug. 22, Sept. 19 and 26, Oct. 10 and 24, all starting at 11 a.m. "Let's Walk" is a collaboration between the Bloomfield Health Department and the NJ Bike and Walk Coalition. For details or advance sign-up, click here.
August Cruise Nights are REVVED UP! with entertainment and kids' events 
      Wednesdays are WOW!days in August. Bloomfield Center Alliance presents not only five more Cruise Nights, but simultaneous live entertainment, special kids' events, two parades and an outdoor movie - all added to the traditional display of classic cars, from 6 to 9 p.m. on Broad Street.   Click here to check out the list of upcoming weekly entertainment and events.  
See 'American Graffiti' at BCA's Cruise Night finale   
      Car and film buffs can enjoy a mash-up of passions on Wednesday, Aug. 30 when Bloomfield Center Alliance hosts its final 2017 Cruise Night, and Bloomfield Recreation screens the 1973 George Lucas film classic "American Graffiti."
      The combined event starts at 6 p.m. with a parade of classic cars proceeding from Brookdale ShopRite to the corner of Liberty and Broad. The display of cars continues until
9 p.m. on Broad Street featuring classic cars, muscle cars and contemporary super machines.    
      Then, at sunset, grab your lawn chairs and blankets for an outdoor screening of "American Graffiti" shown right on Broad Street. The Bloomfield Cruisers, a local car club, will hand out complimentary popcorn. 
Library hosts seminar on U.S. citizenship  
      "How to Become a U.S. Citizen," a free public conversation with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, will be held Monday, Aug. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Bloomfield Public Library. Learn about the naturalization process and how to become a U.S. citizen.

More Upcoming Library Programs   Details Here 

    Book Club to discuss "Glass Castle," a classic memoir by Jeannette Walls (and soon a major film starring Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts). Discussion Aug. 7 at 6:45 p.m.
     Shape Your Mood - Learn to shift from negative to positive energy, Aug. 30, 6:30 p.m.
     Summer Reading Finale - Rock the library with the band Curiouser and Curiouser, followed by reading program prizes on Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. 

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Municipal Business 
  • The Tax Collector offers evening hours from Aug. 1 to 4, and Aug. 7 to 10 (no weekends), from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. A similar schedule will be offered in November, February and May. For details, call the office at (973) 680-4049.
  • Town Council meeting - A combined conference/regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. The Aug. 14 conference meeting has been cancelled. One agenda will be prepared for the combined meeting.
  • Pet license renewal extended - The 2017 dog and cat license renewal deadline has been extended. The Clerk's Office urges pet owners to renew licenses before Aug. 15 to avoid a late fee.
  • Parking Authority, Saturday closures - The Bloomfield Parking Authority front office will be closed on Saturdays until Sept. 4, though enforcement will continue. Summer office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Bloomfield Recreation Department  
     
Hurry! Final two weeks of summer programs 
      There's still time to register for the last two weeks of Bloomfield Recreation sports and activity clinics. But hurry! Spots are limited. For details on skateboard, wrestling, chess, art, brain games, wiffle ball or hip hop dance, click here.
 
Upcoming September fun 
      Registration for the  following two events starts Sept. 1. Watch for details in the September E-Buzz or at www.bloomfieldrecreation.org
      ■ Movie Night and Family Camp-Out, Sept. 15 at Pulaski Park. Bring your own tents and sleeping bags. Enjoy an outdoor movie, supervised campfire and light morning breakfast.  
      ■ Family Drive-In Movie, Sept. 22 at Demarest School.    

Thank you Summer of Fun sponsors! 
      The Bloomfield Recreation Department extends its thanks to all of the generous sponsors of the 2017 Summer of Fun. Their support allows the Township to offer a variety of free special events throughout the summer. Click here to see who has been supporting your summertime fun.  
Bring Holly home  
      She likes to walk, has personality plus and plays nicely with other dogs. She's "Holly," a Bloomfield Shelter resident since last December, when she was found as a stray. Holly is a 35-pound short-haired terrier mix with oversized ears, approximately four years old and up-to-date on vaccinations. She knows several commands and leash walking but needs a firm handler; training and regular exercise will keep her mentally stimulated. Meet Holly during adoption hours Monday to Friday, 2 to 5 p.m., (Wednesday 2 to 6 p.m.), or Saturday/Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.   
Shopping and fitness for seniors  
      Tai chi, senior exercise and a shopping trip to Walmart are featured in August, thanks to the Bloomfield Recreation Department. Click here for details.   
Register for free health screenings 
      The following free health screenings are offered by appointment at the Bloomfield Nursing Office, #1 Municipal Plaza. To learn more, call (973) 680-4058.
     Blood Drive - Aug. 16,  4 to 8 p.m., conducted on the Community Blood
      Services van parked at Municipal Plaza.   
    Diabetes Screening  - Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to noon, at Brookdale ShopRite.
    Blood Pressure Screenings
          o Aug. 3 - 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., at the Nursing Office. 
          o Aug. 10 - 10 a.m. to noon, at Brookdale ShopRite.
          o Aug. 18 - 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Civic Center.   
Come to a composting demo 
      Learn how to create natural fertilizer during a composting demo at the Pulaski Park Community Garden on Sunday, Sept. 10 from noon to 2 p.m. The garden is at the corner of Mt. Vernon Avenue and Howard Street in Bloomfield. Gardeners know that composting improves soil in multiple ways. Learn how to get started and get your questions answered. Hosted by Greener Bloomfield and the Open Space Trust Fund. Learn more.  
Step-up your summertime pest control
      To help you avoid potential public health nuisances related to rodents, wildlife and mosquitoes, the Bloomfield Health Department recommends:
     Keep tight-fitting lids on garbage receptacles.
     Cut lawns regularly to control the height of grass and weeds.
     Eliminate stagnant water and ponding that attract rodents and breed mosquitoes.
        Fill in depressions and drain water to the sewer or street.
     Avoid attracting rodents with yard waste stored on the ground. Also, pile lumber at least
        12 inches above the ground.
     Do not feed wildlife or allow pet food to become a source of food for rodents. 
Get the social services you need
From Bloomfield Human Services
      Food programs, utilities assistance, prescription assistance, and limited
         rental/mortgage assistance.
       Affordable dental care from the Zufall Dental Van.
      Homelessness prevention grants.
                                                                                                For details, click here
E-BUZZ Editor Robin Patric  |  908-823-9001  |  rpatric@comcast.net