Bloomfield Center Alliance Continues Outdoor Fun
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It’s going to be a busy, exciting month in downtown Bloomfield, with the Bloomfield Center Alliance partnering with local businesses, restaurants, and of course residents to bring lots of fun events for the whole family, while the weather is still so lovely.
Harvest Fest
(
Saturday, October 12 11:00am – 7:00pm
; Rain Date Sunday, October 13)
Event link.
Bloomfield Center has been chosen as the host site for the upcoming annual conference of Downtown New Jersey, an member organization representing and supporting downtown management organizations (like BCA) from around the state. The gathering is scheduled to take place on Friday, October 18th at Bloomfield College’s Westminster Arts Center. The Mayor is scheduled to attend and BCA Executive Director Ollyn Lettman will be serving as a panelist on one of the forums. For more information,
please click here
.
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Public Safety News
Call
973-680-4153
if you would like the Bloomfield Fire Department to come to your home or business and do a safety inspection. We will schedule a time convenient for you and go over fire safety procedures and help identify any potential risks.
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Community and Council Meetings
The Bloomfield Council will meet twice this month.
Conference Meeting Monday,
October 7 at 7:00pm
Regular Meeting Monday,
October 28 at 7:00pm
All Council Meetings are now held in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Building
.
Tuesday, October 15 is the last day to register to vote or transfer registration (and the Clerk’s Office will remain open 8:30am-9:00p this day.)
Tuesday, October 29 is the last day to request a “Vote by Mail Ballot.”
Tuesday, November 5 is Election Day. Polls open 6:00am-8:00pm.
Remember, with our updated website, residents can submit events for the community calendar on
our new municipal website
. Report an issue, such as potholes or streetlight outage,
here
.
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Street Sign Auction October 14-18
The Township is excited to begin releasing information about the upcoming Street Sign Auction. This auction will be hosted online through Ebay and will be
open to viewers from October 14 - October 18
. The bidding will begin at $10 per sign and the highest bidder will be awarded the sign at the time of closing. Residents will have the option to email the town through the EBay site if anyone has questions. Signs will be posted individually with a brief description of each. It is important to remember that many of these signs have “seen better days” but they make great collector pieces! They are nonrefundable and will be sold “as is” in the picture. We will announce pick-up dates over the next few weeks so buyers can plan ahead.
Once you create your Ebay login it’s as easy as searching our username, click the street sign you want, and submit your bid! Don’t miss out on purchasing the street sign that will bring back all your cherished memories of Bloomfield. Shipping will be available at the expense of the buyer separately. Keep on the lookout for our site page to be released soon and remember to keep track of your bids! Please follow us on the township website and township Facebook for updates. The Mayor’s Office is also available to answer questions at
973-680-4077.
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Exercise and Trips for Seniors
The Senior Club is a non-profit 55+ group that meets in the Civic Center, Senior Lunch Room, 84 Broad Street, Bloomfield. Gatherings sometimes include, music, guest speakers, discussions, lunches and refreshments. There is a yearly fee of $20 to join.
Come out and join your fellow seniors in an exercise class on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
$20 each for (non – members) & $18 each (for members.) The class is geared towards seniors and you work out at your own pace. You will work with weights, large elastic bands and small nerf-like balls.
Tuesdays and Thursday from 10:00-11:00am from September 17 – November 21.
Zumba Gold (September 20 - November 22)
- $20 each (non – members) & $18 each (members) – for 1 class
$30 each (non – members) & $28 each (members) – for both class Wednesdays & Fridays 10:00-11:00am.
Specialty trips
Tuesday, October 8
– Kinder Towers Trip to Walmart - Pick Up – 9:45am. Return trip will be 12:00pm.
Tuesday, October 15
–
Felicity Towers /Troy Towers/ Heritage Village Trip to Walmart - Felicity Pick Up – 9:45am, Troy Pick Up – 9:50am, Heritage Village Pick up 9:55am. Return trip 12:00pm.
The club's next outing will be a
Bus Trip to Sands Casino on
Monday, October 14.
This trip is currently full but keep an eye out for future trips.
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Sign up for our new Home Delivery Service. Any resident who is unable to come to the library because of limited mobility, illness or handicap (permanent or temporary) may sign up. For more info, please call the library at
973-566-6200
and ask for Jessica.
Did you know the library has museum passes you can borrow? For more information, visit
www.bplnj.org/museum-passes
or call
973-566-6200
.
The Bloomfield Public Library will be
closed October 12 & 14.
Check the
BPL website
often for full schedule and new events as they get added!
Some of our regular programs are:
Monday & Thursday movies - 12:15pm Book Clubs
–
Call for topics and dates.
Finance Club Workshops – Tuesdays @ 6:00pm
Bridge Club – Fridays at 12:00pm
Knitting Club – First & Third Thursdays at 12:00pm.
Select programs:
10/2 @ 1:30pm Storytime Boogie at Shooting Star Dance Studio
10/7 @ 6:45pm Monday Book Club
10/8 @ 11:00pm Health Screenings by Clara Maass
10/8 @ 1:30pm Community Storytime at Lovlee Art Studios
10/15 @ 6:30pm Nonfiction Book Club
10/19 @ 1:00pm Stroll in the Piazza: Italian Music Collection Concert
10/19 Haunted Library: Storytime @ 11:00am, Scarytime until 2:00, Read to Brady @ 3:00pm
10/24 @ 11:00am Health Screenings by Clara Maass
10/25 @ 11:00am Spooky Snacks Storytime with the United Way
10/26 @ 11:00am Short Story Book Club
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Bloomfield Environmental Commission Encourages you to Leave the Leaves--for a Healthier Yard
Many of us grew up believing we had to rake up fallen leaves to keep our yards healthy, but leading environmental authorities say just the opposite is true. The Bloomfield Environmental Commission reports that the National Wildlife Federation and even lawn product companies such as Scott's recommend either leaving your leaves where they fall, raking them into garden areas or mulching them with your mower (without the bag attached). Fallen leaves help fertilize your soil and provide habitat and food for earthworms, overwintering caterpillars and other beneficial insects, along with food for birds in the spring (some of those same tasty bugs). Plus, keeping your leaves in your yard reduces the amount of your tax dollars that have to be spent on collecting and composting those leaves by the township. And it's less work for you! For more information, visit the
National Wildlife Federation's blog site
or
Scott's "Don't Rake Those Leaves"
page (Please note: The Bloomfield Environmental Commission does not endorse or recommend the use of any commercial product. These links are provided for information only.)
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Recycling Guidelines and Shredding Days
Register for the Townwide cleanup day October 19
(rain date October 20)
online here
. On this day, residents, community groups, and local businesses of Bloomfield will be participating in town-wide clean-up efforts across the town. These efforts will enhance our neighborhoods, improve the health of our natural environment, and provide an opportunity for neighbors to work together to improve our community. Sponsored by Mayor Venezia and the Town Council, Bloomfield Beautification Committee, and the Bloomfield Department of Public Works.
The Department of Public Works and Park Maintenance performs biodegradable bag pick up on your weekly recycling day. Remember, biodegradable bags must be placed at curbside the night before.
Read the guidelines
for bag pick up.
The Township of Bloomfield has
partnered with Recycle Coach
to help residents reduce waste and become better recyclers. The Recycle Coach App is available for FREE download on Android and iPhones.
The next Paper Shredding day is November 2 from 9:00am-12:00pm
at the BOE Parking lot, 155 Broad St. For residents only.
Essex County Household
Hazardous Waste Collection Day is October 5
from 8:30am – 4:00pm at 99 West Bradford Avenue, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009.
Essex County
Computer and Electronic Waste Recycling is October 19
from 9:00am 3:00pm at 99 West Bradford Avenue, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009.
For more information, visit the
DPW Facebook Page or call
973-680-4127. Their hardworking staff tries to respond to messages 7 days/week.
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Bloomfield Health
View the
October Nursing Calendar.
For information on this and all other screenings, call
973-680-4058
, and follow @BloomfieldHDNJ
@BloomfieldHDNJ.
The department also has a representative at town hall who can provide residents information and screenings for food stamps (SNAP) benefits. Please contact the Bloomfield Division of Human Services at
973-680-4017
to make an appointment.
Health Beat, the Bloomfield Department of Health and Human Services’ radio show, recently began its 3rd season. The show airs on the last Monday of every month 3:00pm on Bloomfield College’s internet-based station, WBCR Radio. It is hosted by assistant health officer Maya Lordo and health educator Lindsay DeStefano. Listen live or access the archive episodes online at
http://www.wbmatv.com/media-center
. Last week’s episode can be viewed here.
The veggie truck is back, every other Tuesday
at Bloomfield Public Library, 90 Broad St. from 4:30- 6:00pm. This month the truck will be there
October 8 and 22
.
Mayor’s turkey giveaway
The 2019 Thanksgiving Turkey Give-Away sponsored by Mayor Michael Venezia will take place
Sunday November 24 from 10:30am- 12:00pm
in the back parking lot of Town Hall, 1 Municipal Plaza. Must register between October 2 to November 15. Limited slots available. Call Human Services for criteria and to register at 973-680-4017.
Bloomfield Health Department staff have been canvassing neighborhoods in town to educate residents about how they can prevent situations that attract
unwanted rodents and pests.
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Bloomfield Historical and Community Celebrations
The Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center
is presenting its annual Tricky Tray fundraising event on
Friday, October 4
. The doors will open at 6:00pm. Attendees can bid on dozens of valuable prizes, including gift certificates from area stores and restaurants, home goods, services from local merchants, and quality items in many other categories. $25 admission includes coffee and pastries.
For more information and to purchase tickets, call
973-429-0960
. Tickets may be purchased online via the Oakeside web site –
www.oakeside.org
.
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Bloomfield LGBTQ+
Pride hosts a happy hour from 6:00 to 7:00pm the first Monday of every month (this October 7) and the planning committee meets the second Monday of every month (this October 14) at the Bloomfield Civic Center from 7:00 to 8:00pm.
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The Historical Society of Bloomfield (HSOB) has updated and expanded its website to include a Video Archive of many of its presentations and programs throughout the years. They were video-recorded by WBMA-TV and are available on demand online at
www.HSOB.org
.
On October 22, the Historical Society of Bloomfield will present “Theatre of Terror: Shooting Horror Films in Bloomfield.” Join Bloomfield filmmaker Tom Ryan as he discusses using beloved town landmarks Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center and Bloomfield Center—as well as other nearby locales, such as the Glen Ridge Library—as the backdrop for his 2018 horror anthology “Theatre of Terror.” Learn the highlights and challenges of filming a movie in Bloomfield. DVDs/ Blue Ray discs will be for sale. Learn more at
www.hsob.org
;
[email protected]
or
973-743-8844
.
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Gardening and Morris Canal Greenway
“It is inspiring to see young people take an active role in improving their community. We are very fortunate to have a tremendous asset like the Morris Canal Greenway in Bloomfield and it’s great that the Boy Scouts have taken an active role in its creation, implementation and improvements,” said Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Michael Sceurman. “I would encourage all residents to walk along our Canal Greenway, and utilize our mobile app to see all that the Greenway has to offer!”
The Millbank Community Gardens was
officially opened
on N. 17th St. last month, and well attended by the Mayor and Council, Mandolin Orchestra and dozens of garden enthusiasts.
The cost to rent a garden plot is $50 per growing season (fee waived for veterans.) Plots are currently available for rent.
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The next Morris Canal Hike will be
Saturday, November 2, 10:00am to 2:30pm.
On this three mile hike, conducted by Ron Rice and Councilman, Rich Rockwell, we'll explore the path of the Morris Canal through Bloomfield using historic maps and photos, then take a bus ride for an additional 2 miles stopping at the newly reclaimed section of the canal at Oak Tree Lane. Space is limited - reservations are required. $5 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].
Sponsored by the Bloomfield Morris Canal Greenway Committee, Historical Society of Bloomfield, and the Bloomfield Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department.
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Bloomfield Federation of Music
The Bloomfield Chorale is seeking new members in all voices - Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass. No experience necessary -- a good ear and pitch that we can cultivate are most welcome.
Weekly rehearsals for the Fall/Winter Season resumed on September 17
. We rehearse from 7:30 to 9:30pm at the Bloomfield Civic Center, 84 Broad Street, Bloomfield. For more information visit our Facebook page
www.facebook.com/bloomfieldchorale
, email
[email protected]
, or call Fran Gardella at
848-448-4335
.
The Bloomfield Mandolin Orchestra, through the Montclair Public Library, will be offering group beginning level mandolin classes starting the week of September 16. Weekly - Thu 7:00 - 8:15pm; 5 sessions;
starting October 24
. $89. Bring your own mandolin to class. Rentals available for approximately $25. Call the Montclair Adult School at
973-744-0500 x2224
for more information or to register now!
Mandolin Orchestra rehearsals are every Tuesday evening,
from 7:30 to 9:30pm
in the Music Room of
Bloomfield Middle School, 60 Huck Road
. More new members welcome. The orchestra features
Mandolin, Mandola, Mandocello, Mandobass and Guitar players.
For more information contact
[email protected]
. Enrico Granafei, conductor:
862-703-0627.
As autumn transforms the landscape with brilliant colors, join the Bloomfield Civic Band, led by conductor Frank Ortega, on
Sunday, November 3, at 3:00pm
, for its fall concert “Winds of Change” at the Bloomfield Middle School, located at 60 Huck Road. The program features works portraying change in different contexts, including Transformed Spring composed by lifelong Bloomfield resident, Patrick Burns.
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Fall Recreation!
These awesome, family friendly events are on the horizon:
Haunted Trail
Saturday, October 12 (Rain Date Sunday, October 13) 6:30 to 10:00pm
Morris Canal Greenway starting behind Demarest School (465 Broughton Ave) $3 per person. Brace yourself for zombies, ghosts, goblins, ghouls and the funk of 40,000 years!
October Edition Halloween Spooktacular
will take place
Saturday, October 19 from 4:00-6:15pm
(Rain Date: October 26) at the Town Green and Civic Center.
Be sure to bring the kids, in costume for a fun family event on.
The Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Dept. has partnered with the Bloomfield Public Library and the Recycling Dept. on a dream mats community service project aimed at providing persons experiencing homelessness with portable sleeping mats.
A free yarn and crochet class will be
held October 3 and 18
teaching volunteer how to make mats. Additionally, the library will be lending out crochet hooks from October to December. On January 20, 2020, Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, the mats will be donated to those in need. They will be presented by Councilwoman Wartyna Davis and members of the MLK Day of Service Committee.
Join the Bloomfield Art League!
A $25 membership includes a $5 discount on art classes,open studio access Wednesdays, a 10% discount at Jerry’s Artist Outlet and much more.
Upcoming Demos and Events
Pottery demo and
Using Color--Oil Paint Demonstration
Sunday, October 6 from 2:00-5:00pm
, also at the Civic Center. Same Registration information applies, but $10 for non-members.
All local artists are welcome to participate!
To enter, please email or mail a photo of up to three pieces of art to Gabriela Guida at
[email protected]
through
October 11. Entry is free.
The top 20 entries will be hung at Oakside Manor from November 2 until November 29. There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
Parents:
Enjoy your Friday nights, and allow the Recreation staff to care for your kids. The next Friday fun night is
October 18
, with Mask Making from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. The following Friday fun night,
“Chef it Up!” will be November 15
at the same time. $20 | Grades 1-6 | Max 25 Children
Special Needs Programming
Any questions regarding any of Bloomfield Recreation’s special needs offerings, please contact John Baltz at
973-725-4485
.
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