June 2017

Veggie truck comes to Bloomfield
       A mobile farm stand selling farm-fresh fruits and vegetables will be coming to Bloomfield every first and third Tuesday starting June 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at #1 Municipal Plaza (across from the post office). Shoppers can buy directly from City Green, a farm in Clifton, NJ. Payment will be cash only, no credit cards. Senior checks, food stamps and WIC will be accepted. The truck will continue its Bloomfield stops through the month of November thanks to the Bloomfield Department of Health and Human Services. For details, call the health department at (973) 680-4024.
Six-month parking permits due for renewal
       If you have a permit for the Farrand, Pitt, Conger or Myrtle municipal parking lots, now is the time to renew your parking permits for the coming six months - July through December. The Bloomfield Parking Authority recently mailed postcard reminders to permit holders. Even if you did not receive a postcard, you can renew here. Renewal applications and payments MUST be received by close of business on Friday, June 30.  For information, call (973) 680-8960.  
Township wants to sample your household water
       The Bloomfield Water Department needs volunteers willing to let their household water be tested for lead and copper. Sampling will begin in July. Ideal candidates are single-family residences with no major plumbing renovations since 1986 (does not include bathroom additions, or new toilets, sinks or hot water heaters). If you've had major improvements, or don't know the house history, you can still be considered for sampling. Learn more.   
Check out BIG trucks and drop off clothing
       Big Truck Day was washed out on May 13. Now it's back along with a community clothing drive on Saturday, June 3, from 9 a.m. to noon in the parking lot across from Brookdale Baptist Church (near ShopRite). Kids can climb all over and inside trucks, tractors, construction equipment and other vehicles that keep our community in shape.
      Clothing Drop Off - On the same day, donate your gently used or new clothes to the Bloomfield PBA. Bloomfield Youth Aid will sell the older clothing to American Recycling with proceeds going toward the Youth Aid scholarship program. Details at (973) 680-4127 or DPW on Facebook.
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Bloomfield Clerk's Office   
It's dog / cat licensing time
       The Clerk's Office reminds Bloomfield pet owners it's time to renew all licenses for dogs and cats. New licenses will be valid from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. For information, call (973) 680-4015.
 
Be sure to vote on June 6 
       Tuesday, June 6 is Primary Election Day. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. For information, call the Clerk's Office at (973) 680-4015.

June Town Council Meetings 
- June 12, 7 p.m., conference meeting, Law Enforcement Building, room 205.
- June 26, 7 p.m., regular meeting, Council Chambers, Municipal Building, second floor. 
Bloomfield Public Library 

Explore Your Family Tree with the New Genealogy Club
    Learning about our ancestors helps us better understand who we are, linking present, past, and future. Bloomfield library now offers a Genealogy Drop-In program on the second Wednesday of each month at  
6 p.m. 


Brush Up Your Money Smarts

    Members of the library's Financial Book Club support one another while learning to secure their financial futures. Every Tuesday at 6 p.m. 
...
Programs for Adults 
and Kids
     June offerings include movies, adult special interest clubs, and the summer reading program.
Library to Close on Summer Saturdays
    The library will be closed on Saturdays throughout the summer beginning June 24. Saturday opera-
tions will resume after Labor Day.

For information
on all June Library programs
Forget tweeting! Say it on a chair plaque
       Twitter gives you 140 electronic characters, but Bloomfield Library can up that ante -- 40 characters in dignified brass! Put your permanent message on a new library chair by helping the Friends of the Bloomfield Library replace tired seating throughout the facility.
        For the last year and a half, the Friends have been replacing old library seating, and they're not finished yet. For $125 (tax deductible), you can fund a new chair bearing your 40-character message on a small brass plaque (see photo). Just print and complete this form and drop it off at the library, 90 Broad Street. Or mail to: The Friends of the Bloomfield Library, P.O. Box 2564, Bloomfield, NJ 07003. Straight donations to the cause are also appreciated. 

Animal lovers, join the fun
       It's triple fun and fundraising in June as the Supporters of the Bloomfield Animal Shelter raise dollars for their cause:
      * June 3, Anthony's Cheesecake Restaurant will offer a four-course dinner accompanied by the comedy of New Jersey's own Uncle Floyd. Seatings are at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m., $42.95 per person. All gratuities will go to the shelter. To reserve, call Anthony's at (973) 415-8885 
      * June 10-11, Gigantic Garage Sale, 98 Hazelwood Road in Bloomfield, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. All proceeds go to the cause. Rain or shine.
      * June 13, Pours for Paws. Come to a wine tasting in partnership with Montclair wine shop Amanti Vino, 7:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus in Nutley. For tickets, $40 per person, click here

Cruise Night series kicks off June 7
       Wednesday, June 7 is the first Summer 2017 "Cruise Night."  From 6 to 9 p.m., come downtown to check out cool cars, rocking tunes, and the kids corner. The kickoff will also feature the popular "Parade of Cars." Bloomfield Center Alliance invites the community to enjoy Cruise Nights every Wednesday through Aug. 30. Details here.        
Bloomfield Chorale performs June 10             

"Songs from the Heart" are what you'll hear on Saturday, June 10 when the Bloomfield Chorale presents its ninth annual spring concert. Hear traditional, classical and popular music at Bloomfield Presby-terian Church on the Green (147 Broad Street). Showtime is 3 p.m.; light refreshments will follow. Tickets are $15 at the door ($12 for students and seniors).  Discounted tickets are available here. For information, e-mail here or call (973) 204-3054.

Civic Band to play four Concerts on the Green      
        It's a 50-year Bloomfield tradition. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic baskets to the Town Green on four summer Mondays at 7 p.m during the annual outdoor concert series presented by the Bloomfield Civic Band. Conductor Frank Ortega will lead a varied program of movie and Broadway tunes, rock, jazz, "big band" music, marches and patriotic songs.
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       * June 26 - Best of the Season, Part I         * July 17  - Of Movies and Musicals
* July 10 - A Tribute to America                  * July 24 - Best of the Season, Part II

Summer events from Bloomfield Recreation     
       
Free Summer Concert Series
     Toes will be tappin' on four terrific Tuesdays this summer as Bloomfield Recreation hosts its free Summer Concert Series. Hits of the 80s and tributes to Bob Marley and Eric Clapton are among the line-up. The final night will include a concert by Steppin' Out plus National Night Out and the annual Police/Fire Softball Game. Details here.

Independence Day Celebration
      Come to the best Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks display in Essex County! On Tuesday, July 4, Bloomfield Recreation and Investors Bank will host the township's annual celebration at Foley Field. Enjoy food vendors, kids' rides and games, a flag presentation, awards, music and outstanding fireworks. Gates open at
5:30 p.m., with opening ceremonies at 7:30 p.m. Rain date, Wednesday, July 5.

Summ er Camps & Clinics
      What's your child doing for the seven weeks of summer? Spots remain open for Bloomfield Recreation summer camps (K-7), teen travel camp (grades 7-10), and summer sports and activity clinics (ages 6-13).  Learn more

Than k yo u, to our hero sponsors!
      None of Bloomfield's great summer events could happen without the town's generous sponsors. Our heros! See who's pitching in.
Sunset Classic set for June 29
      St art  y our 4th of July weekend at the 29th running of The Tom Fleming Sunset Classic, coming Th ursda y, June 29 to Foley Field. Events include:
      * Kids Sprints (ages 2-11), 6:30 p.m.
      * One-Mile Fun Run, 7 p.m. 
      * 5-Mile Road Race through Bloomfield and Glen Ridge, 7:30 p.m. 
       Runners get complimentary beer with their race bibs and ID. Learn more.

See artworks by Bloomfield's special needs students      
        Bloomfield's special needs after-care program will hold its second annual art show on June 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Civic Center. Works by students in the "Kids Art Academy" will be displayed in a gallery setting with refreshments provided. It is an exhibition of the students' school-year learning about painting, drawing and sculpture, all taught in a judgment-free, relaxed environment. For more information, call the exhibit host, the Bloomfield Recreation Department, at (973) 725-4485.
Townwide Track Meet on June 6      
       The annual Townwide Track Meet (not to be confused with the Sunset Classic) will take place Tuesday, June 6 at 6 p.m. at Foley Field. Top competitors from Bloomfield's elementary schools will face off for division championships in track events:  440-meter, 100-yard dash, long jump, softball throw, shuttle run and relay races. Rain date: Wednesday, June 7.
Broadway hit comes to Westminster      
         "It Shoulda Been You" is a musical comedy about a wedding-day fiasco, ultimately salvaged by the sister of the bride. First staged in 2011 at the George Street Playhouse, the play opened on Broadway in April 2015 starring Tyne Daly. 4th Wall's production runs June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11 at the Westminster Arts Center in Bloomfield. Tickets are $25; discounts for students and seniors. Reserve at (973) 996-8484. For details or online purchase, visit www.4thwalltheatre.org.
         Six Bloomfield restaurants offer dining discounts to ticket holders on performance nights. Learn more about Dinner and a Show, offered by Bloomfield Center Alliance.
High school offers one-day Football Camp      
       Bloomfield students entering grades 3 to 9 can be coached by Bloomfield High School alumni, plus NFL, NFL Europe, CFL, AFL players and coaches. It's happening Saturday, June 24, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Foley Field. Get position coaching, lunch, a shirt and certificate. Details here.
Free ice cream offered to historical museum visitors     
       The Historical Society of Bloomfield will hold its second annual HSOB Ice Cream Social on Saturday, June 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (rain or shine). Come visit the HSOB Museum at 90 Broad Street (third floor of the Children's Library) and enjoy a free scoop of yummy! The museum collection consists of furniture, clothing, tools, household articles, paintings, toys, posters, memorabilia, maps and more. Park on Broad Street or in the library's State Street lot. Details at www.hsob.org, (973)743-8844, or info@hsob.org.
Deadline is NOW for police academy sign-ups    
       June 2 is the registration deadline for Bloomfield Police Department summer police academies. Two levels of the popular youth program are offered, both held Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
      * Junior Police Academy (grades 6, 7 and 8) July 17 to 28.
      * High School Police Academy (grades 9-12), July 31 to Aug. 11.
Are your house numbers visible?    
       Exterior home painting and siding installation or repair are common in summer months. As you make those changes, consider your address numbers. Are they visible from the street? Particularly for emergency services? Whether you're sprucing up or not, take a look at the state of your house numbers and adjust as necessary.
Sign up for June health screenings    
       The following health screenings are offered by appointment at the Bloomfield Nursing Office, #1 Municipal Plaza. To learn more, call (973) 680-4058.
      * Urinalysis Screening ($10) - Friday, June 2, 10-11 a.m., at the Nursing Office.
      * Diabetes Screening (free) - May 25, 10 a.m. to noon, at Brookdale ShopRite.
      * Blood Pressure Screenings (free)
- June 1, 9:30-10:30 a.m., at the Nursing Office.
- June 8, 10 a.m. to noon, at Brookdale ShopRite.
- June 16, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Civic Center.
Father's Day luncheon and Pickleball on tap for seniors    
       The Bloomfield Recreation Department will host a Father's Day luncheon on Thursday, June 8 from noon to 2:30 p.m. at the Civic Center (for all senior men and women). It's free for members of the Bloomfield Senior Citizens Association and $5 for all others.
       Also coming up is a Pickleball demo. Want to know what that is? Click here for details on Pickleball, the Father's Day luncheon, senior fitness and upcoming shopping trips.

Friday Fun Night - June 9   
       Parents with kids in kindergarten through sixth grade can get a night off from child-rearing. Try Bloomfield Recreation's once-a-month child-watching service, next offered on Friday, June 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. Kids enjoy games, crafts, movies and pizza. Additional assistance is provided for children with special needs. Fee: $20 per child. Call (973) 743-9074.
E-BUZZ Editor Robin Patric  |  908-823-9001  |  rpatric@comcast.net