February 2018
Bloomfield Animal Shelter Is Looking for Volunteers and Loving Pet Owners
The Bloomfield Animal Shelter is home to dozens of loving pets like Wendy who need good owners.

Daily adoption hours are:
Monday & Tuesday 2:00pm-5:00pm
Wednesday 2:00pm-6:00pm
Thursday & Friday 2:00pm-5:00pm
Saturday-Sunday 1:00pm-5:00pm

Visit us in person at 61 Bukowski Place
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Or call (973) 748-0194
Bloomfield Welcomes Two New Council Members
Newark School District special assistant Sarah Cruz was elected in November, and sworn in in January as Bloomfield's new 3rd Ward Councilwoman. Cruz is focused on expanding after-school and summer programs to keep kids engaged and on the right track. At the very next Council meeting, the Township Council unanimously appointed Rich Rockwell, a published historian and Vice President of the Bloomfield Historical Society, to fill the seat vacated by Essex County Freeholder Carlos Pomares. His priorities include restoring the Collins House and cleaning up the Morris Canal.
Bloomfield Township Celebrates MLK Day of Service All Holiday-Weekend
Bloomfield officially celebrated its fourth official Dr. Martin Luther King Day of Service on Saturday, January 13th, with over 100 volunteers pitching in to fill the walls and hallways of Demarest and Bloomfield Middle Schools with affirming messages and murals. The next day, Bloomfield Soccer hosted its annual Freedom Games Tournament, and collected 2,000 pounds of canned food for the needy! This was on top of the estimated three tons of food collected and distributed during Bloomfield's Season of Giving food drives at local supermarkets.
Important Notices from the Department of Public Works
  • After extending Biodegradable bag pickup through December 31st, 2017, please be advised that scheduled Biodegradable bag pickup is suspended until Spring 2018. However, if you need a pickup, the DPW will be happy to set up an appointment for you. Call 973-680-4127.

  • Christmas Trees will be picked up on your bulky waste day, which is always your second garbage day of the week. Other news is available on the DPW Facebook.
Bloomfield Recreation Improves Transportation and Cultural Services
Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Department recently secured two new buses dedicated to the Senior Bus Program. The Senior Bus Program, Dial-A-Ride, and the Bloomfield Shuttle are around to transport residents Monday-Friday, rain or shine.

If you need assistance or an accommodation with any of The Township of Bloomfield's Transportation services, please call 973-566-7194 or send an e-mail to  recreation@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
The Recreation Department has sponsored winter trips , including the February 17th "Arts of Africa" trip to the Newark Museum, which includes transportation, light refreshments, and an art class taught by Bloomfield artist Papa Tall, of Senegal.
The basketball courts at Vassar and Clarks Pond South were entirely resurfaced, with new, safer rims installed last fall. LED lighting was installed at Clarks Pond South tennis courts. All of the Township parks in Bloomfield are open seven days per week, from 7:30am to dusk. However, specific areas of play like baseball fields, softball fields, tennis courts and basketball court with designated athletic lighting are open until 10:00pm. Field use by permit only.
Historical Society Gears up for an Exciting Spring
The Historical Society of Bloomfield, NJ (HSOB) is seeking active members, and has hikes, tours, a collectibles sale and an ice cream social planned for 2018. Join us!

Tax-deductible membership dues allow the organization to continue the important work of preserving, interpreting and sharing Bloomfield history. Help support the HSOB by becoming a member.

Learn more online or contact 
973-743-8844 or info@hsob.org  for information about membership and upcoming meetings.
Join Bloomfield Federation of Music
Exciting concerts are coming up in March, but in the meantime, if you're a music lover who likes to sing or play an instrument, consider joining one of Bloomfield's five music ensembles, collectively known as the Bloomfield Federation of Music. All groups are currently welcoming new members.
  • Chorale--Tuesdays
  • Civic Band--Mondays
  • Mandolin Orchestra--Tuesdays
  • Symphony Orchestra--Wednesdays
  • Youth Band--Fridays and Sundays
Toastmasters International Celebrates 60 Years in Essex County
Having just celebrated its 60th Anniversary , the Essex County branch of Toastmasters International meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month from 7:00-8:30pm at the Civic Center.

Guests and new members are always welcome. More information available online .
Bloomfield Police Department's Upcoming Events and Trainings
Want to get involved in the Bloomfield Neighborhood Watch Program? Learn from Bloomfield's Finest .

Bloomfield Community Policing Officers want to host a pizza party for you and your child. Apply online .

Bloomfield Fire and Police are teaming up to promote Public Safety Awareness Day on February 8th.

Based on the success of last year's program, the BPD and Montclair Police Department will host a Citizen/Clergy Police Academy every Tuesday evening from February 13th-April 10th, where residents can learn more about community policing, proper investigation and arrest procedure, and more. This course is free. Click here for more information, including who to contact.
14 new Bloomfield Police Officers were sworn-in on January 26th during a ceremony that saw 10 receive promotions, including appointing Bloomfield's first Deputy Chief of Police since 2005.

Violent crimes are down in Bloomfield, according to a Police Department internal assessment.
What's New With Bloomfield Pride!
Founded in 2017, Bloomfield Pride works to celebrate, educate and advocate for LGBTQ+ residents of Bloomfield. The Bloomfield Pride Committee usually meets the second Wednesday of every month, but this month it will meet on Thursday, February 15th at 7:00pm at the Civic Center.
Bloomfield Pride is hosting a fundraiser luncheon on Saturday February 3, 2018 to provide shelter services for LGBT youth in crisis and facing homelessness.

Visit the group Facebook Page or official website to learn more about Bloomfield Pride .
Bloomfield Library Continues to Sponsor Literary and Social Involvement
The BPL received a $5,000 grant to launch Take Pride, Bloomfield! an academic and social enrichment program focused on LGBTQ issues and culture.


2018 regular meeting for the following groups:

Writer's Circle - 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 6:30pm. (Come and share your work with other writers.)
Bridge Club - Fridays at noon. Beginners welcome.
Midday Movies - Monday & Thursday at 12:15pm in the Library Theatre.
Genealogy Club (Formerly Drop-in) - Second Wednesday of each month at 6:00pm.
Finance Club - Tuesdays at 6:00pm.
The following discussions will be held at the BPL:

Book Club: Ernest Hemingway's Farewell to Arms --February 5th at 6:00pm.
Non-Fiction Book Club: Outlaw Marriages: The Hidden Histories of Fifteen Extraordinary Same-Sex Couples --February 20th at 6:30pm.
Film Screening: Out in the Night --February 28th at 7:00pm.

Be Aware of Carbon Monoxide
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless poison gas that can be fatal when inhaled.
  • It is sometimes called the "silent killer."
  • It is a gas you can’t see, taste or smell. 
  • Symptoms are headache, nausea, dizziness, light-headedness and shortness of breath.
  • It is created when fuels such as kerosene, gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, oil and methane don’t burn properly. 
  • Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage or near a window can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

DOs of Carbon Monoxide
  • Keep dryer, stove, furnace and fireplace vents clear of ice, snow, dirt, leaves, and other debris.
  • Have your fuel burning equipment (fireplaces, furnaces, wood and coal stoves, space and portable heaters inspected by a professional each year.
  • Install CO alarms that have a label of a recognized laboratory. 
  • Install CO alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home. 
  • Be sure to test your CO alarms every month. If you are not sure your device is working properly, call the Fire Department--we will be happy to assist you and even install your device for you.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for CO alarm placement.
  • If your alarms sound, move outdoors or by an open window or door, call 911 from the fresh air location and remain there until emergency responders arrive.
DON'Ts of Carbon Monoxide
  • Use your oven to heat your house. It was not designed to operate that way.
  • Use barbecue grills and generators near doors, windows, and vent openings.

Have questions? Stop by the Bloomfield Fire Department at 375 Franklin St, or call (973) 680-4153.

Bloomfield Police and Bloomfield Fire are teaming up to promote Public Safety Awareness Day on February 8th. Learn about fire safety, CO safety, and more programs.
Health and Human Services Offers Screenings and Family Care Services
The Department of Health and Human Services is using the results from a survey issued last month to identify best ways to help promote, prevent and detect the public health, including disease surveillance and prevention.

The Nursing Department offers free Blood Pressure and Diabetes Screenings to the community, as well as other essential family services. See the full sized February calendar of services here .
E-Buzz Editor: Dan Knitzer 201-864-0600 dknitzer@vmmi.net