May 2018
Tips to Reduce your Plastic Footprint
REDUCE - By consuming only what we need, we will limit the amount of plastics that ends up in the landfill and waterways.
REFUSE - You make the choice. Avoid using plastic straws, plastic bags, single use water bottles and Plastic cups & utensils.
REUSE - Single-use plastic items lead to unnecessary waste. Consider products designed for multiple purposes and reuse as these will effectively reduce the amount of plastic used.
RECYCLE - Not the solution for the plastic pollution problem but the best option if you have consumed plastics. It allows us to keep plastics from our incinerator and waterways. Always make sure you follow the Town’s recycling rules.
REMOVE - The plastics and other litter by supporting park and beach cleanups .
Interested in sustainability? Join Greener Bloomfield on the first Thursday of the month. For more information, visit www.greenerbloomfield.org
Spring Recreation for All Ages

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

The Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department is seeking artists, young and old, beginner and experienced, to submit art for their annual Town Paints event at 10:00am on Saturday, May 12th on the Town Green .

The Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department is excited to provide a sneak peak of their summer camps and sports clinics so parents can start to prepare for the summer. Pre-registration is currently taking place for families who participated in summer camp last year. Families new to summer camp can begin registering on May 14 at the Civic Center, 84 Broad St. Please bring a copy of your child’s report card for school grade level verification. 
 
The 2018 Summer of Fun will kick off the summer season with the Township of Bloomfield’s Annual Memorial Day Parade ( May 28) , which offers fun for the whole family .
Rides can be arranged for Veterans who are unable to march.
 
See a sneak peek at the Bloomfield Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department’s Summer of Fun here .
 
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  [email protected]

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 an Art lesson at Pulaski Park’s Community Garden on May 4 from 12:00pm-2:00pm . 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] .
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 . Registration is free. Please email Lt. Naomi Zepeda or Brianna DeMaio by May 28 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 3:00pm 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 DPW at 973-680-4127 .
·       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 .
·   Big Truck Day is on May 19 from 9:00am-12:00pm at 1350 Broad St.
More information on this and other events is available on the DPW Facebook .
Bloomfield Historical Society Trip Back to Bloomfield's Industrial Manufacturing Period

On May 22, the Historical Society of Bloomfield will present “The International Arms & Fuze Company” with lifetime Bloomfield resident Dean Cole. At its peak, it employed 10,000 workers, including over 4,000 women working night and day to produce millions of artillery shells and fuses for the allied war effort against Germany in World War I.
The plant workers had their own band, baseball team, bowling league and women’s basketball team. Initially, its presence in town aroused fears of explosions, fiery catastrophe and plummeting property values. In reality it brought tax revenue, employment, town improvements and the expansion of public transportation. Join us on May 22 at 7:30pm at the Bloomfield Civic Center, 84 Broad St., Bloomfield, NJ as we revisit its historical impact on Bloomfield. Visit us online or contact us at [email protected] or 973-743-8844 .
Join the Pulaski Park Organic Community Garden for Tours as Well
Saturday, May 19, the Cornucopia Network of N.J. is sponsoring one of its periodic, free, self-guided tour of area organic gardens. Bloomfield's Pulaski Park Community Garden, located at Howard and Mt. Vernon will be on the tour and will be open from 9:30-11:00am.  

The other gardens on the tour at press time are in Montclair: 55 Gordonhurst Ave., 148 Forest Ave., and 174 Valley Road, with hours available online.

To learn about and join the Pulaski Park Community Garden, visit their Facebook page or email them.
Make Music in Bloomfield

Sunday, May 6, the Bloomfield Mandolin Orchestra will perform its Spring Concert performance of Folk Music from Around the World. Concert begins at 3:00pm at the auditorium of Bloomfield Middle School. For questions or to pre-order tickets, email [email protected].

The Bloomfield Chorale will present its spring concert, "A Tapestry of Song, from M endelssohn 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. Tickets are $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for students and seniors, children 12 and under free. Discount tickets can be obtained prior to the concert from any Chorale member or by emailing [email protected].

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.
Join 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 at 7:00pm at the Civic Center. Bloomfield Pride is hosting a one day festival May 19 at the Bloomfield Public Library featuring a special performance of Gregory G. Allen's one-act play 'Hiding in Daylight: An LGBTQ Dystopian Tale ' followed by a Q&A.

Learn more about Bloomfield Pride on  Facebook  or the group's official website .
News from the Mayor and Council
The Mayor and Council have declared May 2018 as Cyber Security and Social Engineering Awareness Month. Employees will be attending a two-day Seminar training to learn how to protect themselves and the Township from spam and malware.

Continuing its trend of open data initiatives, the Township of Bloomfield has launched its web based and mobile friendly digital map .
Important Meeting Dates
Kick off the Spring Right Here in Bloomfield Ctr!
The Bloomfield Center Alliance and The Shops at Bloomfield Station invite you to come out and enjoy the food, music and fun at the 3rd annual Block Party  on Washington St. from 12:00-8:00pm . This “ food truck festival . . .without the trucks ,” invites restaurants from around town to serve their best “ eats and treats ” while folks are entertained by live music and a party DJ.
The Bloomfield Council will meet twice in May:
May 7  Township Council - Conference Meeting (Room 205 LEB) 7:00pm.
May 21   Township Council - Regular Meeting (Council Chambers) 7:00pm.
Meeting agendas and minutes can be viewed online .

The Township is holding a public forum to identify and explore ways to improve communications with residents on May 14 at 7:00pm at the Bloomfield Civic Center.

May 15 is the last day to register to vote or transfer registration for the June 5th Primary Election. As a public service, the Clerk's office will remain open until 9:00pm. For questions, call 973-680-4015
May 29 --Last day to apply by mail for a vote-by-mail ballot for the June 5th Primary Election.
Bloomfield Library Has Fun and Academic Resources for All Ages
The library has a full schedule of events , featuring:

  • Bloomfield Center Gives Back, May 15, 12:00pm-closing. Italia Pizzeria, 48 Washington St. Show the flier at the beginning of your meal and Italia will donate 10% of your check to the Bloomfield Public Library (tax & gratuity excluded).  
  • "Hiding in Daylight" by Gregory G. Allen, May 19 at 3:00pm.  Members of 4th Wall Theatre will present this one act play, which will be followed by a Q&A after the reading with the actors and playwright. This is a Take Pride, Bloomfield event.
  • Community Storytime, May 8 at 1:30pm. For small children at Lovelee Art Studios.
  • Toddler Yoga, May 15 at 11:00am at the library.
  • Storytime Boogie at Shooting Star Dance Center, May 22 at 1:00pm.
 
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 (bplnj)
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.

A educational focus group on lead and lead poisoning will be held May 3 from 6:15-8:30pm , with one session in English and one in Spanish. To register please call or email Maya Lordo or call 973-680-4022.

Health education is where health and community meet. Attend the Mental Health First Aid Training on May 9 from 8:30am-5:00pm at Bloomfield Civic Center, 84 Broad St. To register, email Maya Lordo or call 973-680-4022.

The department is holding a Rabies Clinic information session on June 2 from 9:00am to 12:00pm at Fire Station #3, 124 East Passaic Ave . Also, 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 1 2019  in order to get a new license.

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 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.
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