Bloomfield Daily Buzz: Apr. 8, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Book club for adults planned with Bloomfield recreation on Apr. 15. Attendees will discuss “James” by Percival Everett from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Bloomfield Civic Center. Registration is required. It will meet again on Apr. 22 and Apr. 29.
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Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department

“Wondernest” outdoor play sessions for children ages 1.5-8 planned with Bloomfield recreation starting Apr. 15. It is from 9:30-10:15 a.m. at Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The final session is May 20. Enrollment is $75. Registration is available online.
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Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department

Bloomfield residents can attend yoga, boxing, or fitness sessions through the recreation department starting Apr. 15. Classes meet Wednesday evenings through Jun. 3. Registration is available online.
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Bloomfield Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department

Eligible Bloomfield residents can apply for a free smoke alarm online. Available for seniors, low-income residents, and households with children. People can apply by contacting the fire prevention bureau at 973-680-4153 or completing a request form online at bloomfieldtwpnj.com.
Bloomfield Township

Stage production of “Frozen Jr. The Musical” planned at Belleville library on Apr. 14. It begins at 6 p.m. Registration is not required.
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Belleville Public Library

Free screenings for blood pressure and glucose planned with Mountainside Medical Center on Apr. 15 in Belleville. It is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Belleville ShopRite, 726 Washington Ave. No fasting necessary. Registration not required.
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Mountainside Medical Center

Adults can attend introductory acting and improv classes at N.J. School of Dramatic Arts in Montclair, scheduled to start Apr. 22 and Apr. 23. Both courses run for six weeks and are held at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Registration is available online.
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New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts

Montclair library seeks volunteers ages 12-18 to make greeting cards for seniors living at Horizon Manor. It is from 4-6 p.m. at the library’s Main Branch.
Montclair Public Library

Record club meeting planned with Glen Ridge recreation on Apr. 15. It begins at 7 p.m. at the Glen Ridge Train Station. Participants will discuss “The Blue Album” by Weezer. Free admission.
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Glen Ridge Borough

Stage production of “9 to 5 The Musical” planned with Interact Theater Productions starting Apr. 17 in Maplewood. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Burgdorff Center For The Performing Arts. Performances run through May 2. Tickets are available online for purchase.
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Maplewood Division of Arts and Culture

“Spring Wild Edible Walk” for families planned with Essex County Environmental Center on Apr. 16 in Roseland. Attendees will identify plants, discuss ethical harvesting, and ways to prepare gardens for spring from 5:30-7 p.m. Registration required. Tickets available online for purchase.
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Essex County Environmental Center

Paddle boats are open for the 2026 spring season at Turtle Back Zoo’s in West Orange. Tickets for a 30-minute session is available in-person and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. It is open from Apr. 10-12 from 12-6:30 p.m. on the waterfront.
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Turtle Back Zoo

REGIONAL NEWS

Advocacy groups are urging state lawmakers to further develop three immigrant protection laws recently signed by Gov. Mikie Sherrill. The laws increase protections for the state’s 2.25 million immigrant population. Then-Gov. Phil Murphy decided to not sign, or pocket-vetoed, the bills before leaving office on Jan. 20. The Privacy Protection Act protects personal data shared with schools, hospitals and libraries; and the Strengthening Trust Act codifies a 2018 directive that limits state law enforcement cooperation with ICE. Sherrill also signed a law requiring ICE agents to remove their face masks prior to arresting or detaining someone. American Civil Liberties Union of NJ, NJ Alliance for Immigrant Justice, and Council on American-Islamic Relations-NJ are calling on lawmakers to expand protections amid due process violations, such as unlawful detention. ACLU-NJ released a statement demanding the state Legislature increases funding for access to counsel in immigration proceedings.

Advocates renewed their push for immigrant protections after President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Jan. 20, 2025 to ramp up deportations. The Jersey Bee has immigration resources at jerseybee.org/community/immigrants. Resources are available in English and Spanish.

ACLU of New Jersey.