April 2018
April 21 is Pet Adoption Day at PetValu
The Supporters of the Bloomfield Animal Shelter will be holding its monthly Adoption Day on Saturday, April 21 at the Bloomfield PetValu store at  192 Bloomfield Avenue  from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Come meet a few of the great pets available at the Bloomfield Animal Shelter and learn more about what you can do to help the animals.
Visit these four legged friends seven days a week. For d aily adoption hours or information about getting involved with SOBAS, c all 973-748-0194 or Visit them on Facebook .
Spring Recreation for All Ages

Experience Bloomfield Parks this Spring!
Click here  for parks hours and rules.
The Recreation Cultural Commission is sponsoring the International Food Festival on April 28.

The Recreation Department is proud to host weekly Spring programs (program guide page one and page two ) for residents of all ages.
Baseball and Softball are in Full Swing, and you won't want to miss the big opening games on April 14, 15 and 22 .
The Recreation Department’s Equipment Exchange Program is open during the Recreation Department's normal hours, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm and Wednesday Nights 6:00pm-8:30pm. Call 973-743-9074 to schedule an appointment during off hours .

The Bloomfield Senior Club is open to all residents 55 and older, and meets on the third Friday of every month at 12:00pm at the Civic Center. There will be a special jazz performance on April 6 . For more information, contact Gabriella Guida at 973-743-9074 .
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, call 973-566-7194 or email [email protected] .
Important Notices from the Department of Public Works

  • Biodegradable bag pickup for the season will start Monday, April 2. Bags will be picked up on your recycling day. Please note that bags should not weigh more than 50 lbs and should be free of any garbage, rocks or excessive dirt. There is no need to contact our office to schedule a pickup, but if you put more than 12 bags out at once, a call ahead to 973-680-4127 would be appreciated.
  • The next Paper Shredding Day is on April 21 from 9:00am-12:00pm at 155 Broad St (BOE lot). This service is for Residents only.
  • The DPW wants to remind Bloomfield Business Owners and Residents Encouraged to Properly Dispose of Grease to save themselves and the Township money.
Other news is available on the DPW Facebook .
Lawn Bowling Kicks off April 30

Spring is here and lawn bowling season will officially start on Monday, April 30. The Essex County Lawn Bowling will have evening bowling on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, every week until the end of September. They also play on weekends, beginning at 10:00am. They welcome any newcomers, who are interested in learning a fun sport that offers good exercise and a great way to meet a nice group of people. For more information, please visit their website . If you have any questions, please contact them at [email protected].
Toastmasters Open House April 12

Bloomfield residents are invited to explore the benefits of joining the world’s largest public speaking organization. Essex Toastmasters (part of Toastmasters International) will be holding its annual Open House on Thursday, April 12th from 7:00 to 8:30pm at the Bloomfield Civic Center,  84 Broad Street . Members work on overcoming the fear of public speaking while learning listening, team-playing and leadership skills that aid their professional and personal success. In addition to the Open House, the club meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m and guests are always welcome. Learn more at the club website:  https://www.essextoastmasters.org/
Join a Group Hike Through the Morris Canal Greenway
All residents are invited to participate in a Morris Canal Greenway Hike on April 21 from 10:00am to 2:30pm . Sponsored by the Bloomfield Morris Canal Greenway Committee, Historical Society of Bloomfield, and the Bloomfield Recreation Department, this three mile hike will be conducted by Ron Rice and Bloomfield Councilman Rich Rockwell. Participants will explore the path of the Morris Canal through Bloomfield using historic maps and photos, then take a bus ride for an additional two miles stopping at the newly reclaimed section of the canal at Oak Tree Lane. Space is limited - reservations are required. $5.00 donation requested to cover the cost of the bus and 20-page handout with historic photos and color maps. To reserve a space, email [email protected] .
Make Music in Bloomfield

The Bloomfield Civic Band, under the direction of Frank Ortega, will present its spring concert, Pictures, Vignettes, and All that Brass on Sunday, April 15, at 3:00pm , at the Bloomfield Middle School. The Band will perform “Vignettes,” a work composed by Bloomfield resident, Patrick J. Burns, featuring John Palatucci as the euphonium soloist. Tickets cost $15, and $10 for seniors and students. Children under 12 years old can attend for free. Discount tickets can be obtained prior to the concert from any Civic Band member or from the Civic Center.
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 : Chorale, Civic Band, Mandolin Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and Youth Band.
Bloomfield Center Gives Back!
Several non-profit organizations are taking part in the Bloomfield Center Alliance's charitable initiative Bloomfield Center Gives Back! Through this initiative, residents dining out on select evenings in April and May can have a percentage of their bill donated to a designated non-profit entity. Participating nonprofits thus far, include: the  United Way of Bloomfield , the KinderSmile Foundation ,  Bloomfield Animal Shelter , and the  Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service . Each evening, one organization will be featured at a different downtown restaurant, such as Bloomfield Steak and Seafood House ,  The Wooden Spoon Kitchen and Saloon, Anthony's (formerly Anthony’s Cheesecake), and  Aki Asian House .
For details in how to participate please visit  www.bloomfieldcenter.com . For questions, please call the BCA office at  973-429-8050 .    
Thinking about opening a new business? You should consider Bloomfield Center!
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 private pizza party for you and your child. Apply online.
Coffee with a Cop brings residents together with members of Bloomfield's Community Policing Division. To sign up, contact Lt. Zepeda or Officer Aponte.

The Bloomfield Junior Police Academy will take place July 23-August 3, and is open to current 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. The Bloomfield High School Police Academy will take place August 6-August 17. Both academies have a registration deadline of June 1.
Bloomfield is Hiring Election Boardworkers
Bloomfield is looking for District Boardworkers to help with the upcoming Primary and General Elections in June and November. On election days, boardworkers earn $200 to work from 5:15am to approximately 8:30pm. This is the type of job that can be done best by people from Bloomfield. Applications must be completed by April 15 and applicants m ust be registered to vote in Bloomfield, and have their own transportation to and from the polls. Applicants do not need to be affiliated with any political party, and will not be discriminated against based on political affiliation. For more information can contact [email protected] .
The Bloomfield Council will meet twice in April:
April 9 (Conf.) (Room 205 LEB) 7:00pm.
April 23 (Reg.) (Council Chambers) 7:00pm.
Meeting agendas and minutes can be viewed online.
Bloomfield Library Has Fun and Academic Resources for All Ages
The library has a full schedule of events listed on its website , featuring:
  • Music of the Exotic World: April 21 at 1:00pm. International Concert Violinist Dr David Podles will perform a sumptuous collection of music from around the world. Embark on a fascinating musical journey through faraway lands!  This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and administered by the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs.
  • Blood Drive: April 16 from 3:00 to 7:00pm. Give the gift of life. Complimentary cholesterol screening to all blood donors! 
  • Storytime: April 17 11:00am, featuring Healthy eating with Jessica Serdikoff, dietitian from Brookdale Shoprite
  • Dancin’ to the Raindrops with Shooting Star Dance Center: April 4 11:00am.

View our  Regularly Scheduled Programs for Adults , including: Bridge Club, Monday & Thursday Midday movies, Genealogy Club, Finance Club, Fiction and Non Fiction Book Clubs as well as Roaming Readers.  Children’s Department Programs  include: Storytimes & Crafts at 11:00am on Tuesdays & Fridays (Toddler Time), Wednesdays Preschool) and Thursdays (Baby & Me – no craft). Spring Break programs for kids also include a movie screening, Shooting Star Dance Center and a scavenger hunt. Click through to our website for more information on these programs!
What’s New With Greener Bloomfield?

Join Bloomfield's Earth Day Celebration on Sunday April 29 from 11:00am to 1:30pm in Brookside Park (at Bay and Broad). The Earth Day Network's theme for this year is "End Plastic Pollution," so come and find out how to reduce your plastic usage. Among the activities is a park and river clean up (high waders provided by Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission's River Restoration group). Other things on the list for the day: Composting Demo, Invasive plants identification and removal, and the ins and outs of raising and releasing caterpillars and butterflies, news about watersheds, using recycled containers as planters. Pick up free tree saplings courtesy of the N.J. Department of Forestry, and more.

Show your planet love by bringing your own water bottle -- you can refill from our water cooler. Light refreshments; please dress appropriately; no rain date, will be held if light rain. Organized by Greener Bloomfield and partnering with others. For more information visit  www.facebook.com/greenerbloomfield ,  greenerbloomfield.org , or email [email protected].
Join the Pulaski Park Organic Community Garden
Interested in gardening but don't have the space or sun, or the experience? Get on the waitlist for the the Pulaski Park Organic Community Garden ! The garden begins its fourth season in April with 27 4x8 plots which rent for the season for $50 (fee waived for veterans). As plots open up the group will pull from the waitlist which they will keep for subsequent seasons. Have questions? Contact them at  [email protected]  or visit www.facebook.com/OpenSpaceTrustFund .
Fire Safety from the Bloomfield Fire Department

This month's safety reminder is about basic fire protocol:
1. When the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out. Go to a meeting place. Then call 911
2. If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out.
3. If smoke or fire is blocking your first way out use your second way out.
4. Before opening the door, feel the doorknob. Feel the door. If either is hot, leave the door closed. Use your second way out.
5. If smoke is coming in from around the door , leave it closed. Use your second way out.
6. If you open your door, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it if heavy smoke or fire is present.
7. If you cannot get out, close the door. Cover vents and cracks around the door with cloth or tape to keep smoke out. Call 911. Say where you are. Signal for help at the window using a light colored cloth.
8. If you cannot get to someone needing help, get outside. Call 911. Tell the emergency operator where the person is located
9. If pets are trapped inside, tell the fire department.
Have questions?
Stop by the Bloomfield Fire Department at 375 Franklin St, or call 973-680-4153 .
Health and Human Services is Here for Bloomfield Children, Parents and Seniors

Bloomfield Human Services now has a  State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor. The Department of Health and Human Services offers benefits screenings to individuals and families. Call  973-680-4017 for an appointment.

The Bloomfield Municipal Alliance Committee, and the Bloomfield Health Department nursing division will be participating in the Bloomfield College Nursing health fair on April 10, 2018.
Check out the April Health Beat live radio show on Bloomfield College Radio on April 30th via this livestream .

Health education is where health and community meet. Attend the Mental Health First Aid Training on May 9 from 8:30am to 5:00pm at Bloomfield Civic Center, 84 Broad Street. To register, email Maya Lordo or call 973-680-4022 .
Narcan (naloxone) is an opiate antidote that blocks the effects of opioids to reverse an overdose, and has saved hundreds of lives in New Jersey alone. Please participate in a special Narcan training in Spanish, May 1 from 6:30 to 8:30pm at Bloomfield High School. Space is limited, so please register by emailing Maya Lordo or calling 973-680-4022 .

The department is holding a Rabies Clinic information session on June 2, 2018 from 9:00am to 12:00pm at Fire Station #3, 124 East Passaic Ave . The Division of Human Services is hosting its seventh Back 2 School Store event on July 29th for children entering Grades K-5 in the Fall. For more information, call  973-680-4017.

Bloomfield and Glen Ridge residents 60 and older are invited to the free Senior Prom on Friday, April 27 at the Knights of Columbus, 190 State St., Bloomfield from 3:30 to 5:30pm. It will be a great afternoon of food, fun and music. Spots are limited, so please RSVP. See last year's Prom photos. Call  973-680-4017 for details, to RSVP, or if you need transportation assistance.
E-Buzz Editor: Dan Knitzer | 201-864-0600 | [email protected]
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