June 2018
Health and Human Services is Here for all Bloomfield Residents

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. Click here to learn more about both services.

Learn about the Bloomfield Health Department and New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition’s 'Let’s Walk!!' initiative to encourage physical activity with a healthy Veggie Truck coming to Bloomfield Town Hall and the Bloomfield Public Library Tuesdays from 11:00am-1:00pm June through November.

The Division of Human Services is participating in its seventh Back 2 School Store event on July 29 for children entering Grades K-5 in the Fall. This event will provide free school clothes, sneakers, winter coat, and school supplies for qualifying families. The deadline has been extended. Apply ASAP. For more information, call  973-680-4017 .

The Division of Human Services is providing limited one-time financial assis t ance for utilities, rent, or mortgage to individuals or families who have fallen behind on their housing costs or utilities due to a situation beyond their control and will be able to pay their bills going forward. For more information call 973-680-4017 .
Join Greener Bloomfield
Interested in sustainability? Then walk or bike (ok, you can also drive) over to the Civic Center at 7:00pm on the first Thursday of the month to connect with Greener Bloomfield.

Greener Bloomfield has been awarded a $10,000 grant by Sustainable Jersey (PSE&G funding) to carry out a project entitled "Township of Bloomfield Composting and Food Waste Diversion Initiative." For more information, visit www.greenerbloomfield.org.
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.

Children age 2-15 ar e invited to participate in the first annual Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs , fishing event June 9 from 7:00am-12:00pm at Clarks Pond (behind the Middle School, 60 Huck Road). Registration is free. Please email Lt. Naomi Zepeda or Brianna DeMaio by ASAP to participate.

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.
Important Notices from the Department of Public Works

· Biodegradable bags are picked up on your recycling day.  When you are filling your biodegradable bags, please put only grass, twigs, leaves, etc. (vegetative waste) into the bags. Please no garbage, papers, dirt, rocks, etc, as the Township becomes subject to fines when the bags are carted to the Vegetative Waste Recycling Facility. In addition, bags can weigh no more than 50 lbs, and if at all possible try to make them even lighter than that (tough on the back!).
· Bulk garbage is always your second garbage day of the week you do not need to call to schedule a pickup but if you have a question regarding it you can call the DPW. No more than three large items at one time will be picked up and if you have any additional questions please call DPW at 973-680-4127 .
· Metals and appliances (not electronics) are picked up every Tuesday . Call the Department of Public Works, 973-680-4127 , no later than 3:00 p.m. Monday for a scheduled Tuesday pickup. 
* Accepted metal items include bed frames, metal curtain rods, metal hangers and loose metal pieces. Metal swing sets must be disassembled.
* Accepted appliances include refrigerators, stoves, microwaves and air conditioners. Remove any appliance doors and place items door side up for pickup. 
* Metal paint cans are considered bulk waste. They are picked up on your second weekly garbage day. (Latex paint only, completely dried out.) If you're unsure whether an item is metal, call!
· Drop off Electronic Items (TV’s, Computers, etc.) and Recycling Items at the Department of Public Works Recycling Depot every Saturday from 9:00am-1:00pm .

More information visit the DPW Facebook. Our hardworking staff tries to respond to messages 7 days/week.
Bloomfield Historical Society Hosts FREE Ice Cream Social

The Historical Society of Bloomfield (HSOB) will be holding its third annual Ice Cream Social on June 9 from 11:00am-2:00pm, which means free ice cream for all adults and children w ho visit the HSOB Museum at 90 Broad Street (located on the third floor of the
Children’s Library) between those hours. Parking is on Broad Street and in the Library Parking Lot on State Street.

The HSOB Museum is dedicated to the culture, people and history of Bloomfield. The collection consists of furniture, clothing and accessories, tools, household articles, paintings, toys, posters, memorabilia, dioramas, maps, newspapers, postcards, letters, deeds, documents, books and much more.

For more information Visit us online or contact us at info@hsob.org or 973-743-8844 .
Make Music in Bloomfield

If you’re a music lover who likes to sing or play an instrument, consider joining one of Bloomfield’s five music ensembles, collectively called the Bloomfield Federation of Music: Chorale, Civic Band, Mandolin Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and Youth Band. (Mandolin Orchestra members to the right)

The Bloomfield Chorale will present its spring concert, "A Tapestry of Song, from Mendelssohn to McCartney" on  Sunday,  June 3, at 3:00pm , at the Bloomfield Presbyterian Church on the Green, 147 Broad St., Bloomfield The program features "The Weaver" by contemporary composer Jacob Naverud and poet Bryan Welch. C hildren 12 and under attend all Chorale concerts for free. Discount tickets can be obtained prior to the concert from any Chorale member or by emailing BloomfieldChorale@gmail.com. For more information or to make a donation to Chorale, email, visit their Facebook, or call 973-204-3054.

The Bloomfield Civic Band, conducted by Frank Ortega, will perform "Classics Under the Stars" June 25 at 7:00pm. On July 2, the band will present “Tribute to America”, followed on July 9 with “A Night of Jazz." There will also be a special plaque dedication and musical tribute to Dominick Ferrara III on that night. Bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets, and enjoy music under the summer sky. The Civic Band's Summer Concert series will conclude July 16 with a "A Little Theater Music."

The Bloomfield Mandolin Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Enrico Granafei, will perform on June 9, from 4:45-6:00pm, for the Township of Bloomfield's Art in the Garden at Pulaski Park. The Bloomfield Mandolin Orchestra is now seeking new members, especially for lower strings, for its upcoming 2018-2019 Concert Season. The orchestra rehearses at Bloomfield Middle School on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-9:30pm  during the months of September through May. For additional information, please visit their website, email bmomandolin@gmail.com  or call Orchestra President Kristine Massari at 973-444-0357.

Youth Band will be performing "An Evening with Friends " Saturday, June 9 at 8:00pm at the Bloomfield Middle School. Featuring internationally renowned composer Robert Sheldon, you won't want to miss this!
Join Bloomfield Pride!
Founded in 2017, Bloomfield Pride works to celebrate, educate and advocate for LGBTQ+ residents of Bloomfield. Bloomfield Pride is hosting its second annual Pride Picnic on Saturday, June 16 from 12:00-3:00pm at Brookside Park. To help with setting up, bringing food, or just get more information, please email info@bloomfieldpride.org .

Learn more about Bloomfield Pride on  Facebook  or the group's official website .
Enjoy Bloomfield Summer Nights!
Join in the fun of the weekly classic car Cruise Nights Wednesdays from 6:00-9:00pm beginning June 6 .

Dine under the stars most Fridays this summer. More information is available on www.bloomfieldcenter.com .

Don't miss the 30th Running of the Tom Fleming Sunset Classic , Thursday June 28 . Bring the entire family for a fun filled evening. There will be hot dogs, refr eshments and ice cream, music, and shirts to all pre and post registered runners, while supplies last. Proceeds go to the Vocational, Education & Special Training Program (V.E.S.T.), which serves developmentally delayed adolescents & young adults in Essex County.
News from the Town Clerk
The Bloomfield Council will meet twice in June:
June 18  Township Council - Conference Meeting (Room 205 LEB) 7:00pm.
June 25   Township Council - Regular Meeting (Council Chambers) 7:00pm.
Meeting agendas and minutes can be viewed online .

Don't forget, June 5 is Primary Election Day--polls open from 6:00am-8:00pm. Find your polling place.

PET OWNERS: All current pet licenses will expire June 30, 2018 – renewals will be going out in the mail the middle of May. All pets will need a rabies certificate that is valid beyond May 12019 in order to get a new license. There will also be a FREE Rabies Clinic information session on June 2 from 9:00am to 12:00pm at Fire Station #3, 124 East Passaic Ave.

The Township recently held a public forum where residents provided feedback on how you want the Township to improve communications. The Mayor and IT Director Jean-Guy Lauture discussed the planned 'Bloomfield Township' smartphone app.
Bloomfield Library Has Fun and Academic Resources for All Ages
The library has a full schedule of events , featuring:

  • Genealogy Club - June 13 at 6:00pm. Email lcohn@bplnj.org with any questions or if you have an interest in genealogy. Librarian standing by to assist you in your research.
  • Drag Queen Story Time, June 2 at 2:00pm.  Gerry Mastrolia --aka Very Gerry-- will be our host as we read LGBTQ and family diversity-themed books to our young patrons.
  • Summer Reading Program begins June 25. Check our website for more details!
  • Queer Newark Tour - June 28 at 6:00pm - Details TBA
 
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 and Book Clubs for teens and kids.  

Children’s Department Programs  include: Storytimes & Crafts at 11:00am on Tuesdays & Fridays (Toddler Time), Wednesdays (Preschool) and Thursdays (Baby & Me – no craft).  Click through to their website for more information on these programs and more!
Follow the Bloomfield Public Library on Facebook and Twitter .
Walk the Morris Canal Greenway!
Join your friends and neighbors on a relaxing and informative hike of the Morris Canal Greenway Saturday, June 2 at 9:00am. The walk will begin at the Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center, 240 Belleville Ave, and will be led by Morris Canal enthusiast, and Bloomfield Councilman, Rich Rockwell, who will share fascinating history of the area as we make our way to the historic Collins House, which predates the building of the Morris Canal.

To RSVP or learn more about this event, email liz.brady@njbwc.org or call 201-745-6055.
Spring Recreation for All Ages

All Township Parks are open, meant to be enjoyed by all. Click here  for parks hours and rules.

The Summer of Fun began with a great Memorial Day Parade.

Registration is now open for summer camps, sports clinics and travel camps.
** All summer offerings are welcoming of children with special needs and additional assistance will be provided to insure an enjoyable experience.  

Bloomfield’s Elementary Schools will join together at the John A. Gibson Track & Field Complex at Foley Field for the Annual Town Wide Track Meet Tuesday, June 5th at 6:00pm. The school’s top competitors will face off for the Division Championship in track events such as 440m, 100yd dash, Long Jump, Softball Throw, Shuttle Run and Relay Races.

The Special Needs After-Care program will hold its 3rd Annual Art Show on Friday, June 15th from 6:00-8:00pm at the Civic Center. The students participate in a yearlong art program entitled Kids Art Academy that includes painting, drawing, creating sculptures and learning about famous artists.

Participate in the Recreation Department's great upcoming events and trips.

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department’s always exciting Summer of Fun will include free outdoor concerts Tuesday evenings July 10 through August 7, and Civic Band performances every Monday in July.  The township’s annual Independence Day Celebration will take place on Wednesday, July 4th at Foley Field. Click here for more information on all of these events.

The Township of Bloomfield would like to thank our generous sponsors who make our Summer of Fun possible. If you would like to become a sponsor of the 2018 Summer of Fun please email Michael Sceurman at  msceurman@bloomfieldtwpnj.com

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. This month's meeting, on June 15,  will feature a discussion of upcoming events and new recreation programs.

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 recreation@bloomfieldtwpnj.com .
E-Buzz Editor: Dan Knitzer | 201-864-0600 | dknitzer@vmmi.net
Subscribe Online:   www.tinyurl.com/buzz456   Subscribe by Text:  Text "  EBUZZ"  to 22828  |