Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Mejia, Hathaway Visit Essex County As They Battle For NJ-11 Congress Seat

And on the Bloomfield Patch calendar - Estate Planning: 5 Essential Things You Should Know

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Friday October 9th Patch AM
Friday October 9th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Morning Bloomfield! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Bloomfield town hall spotlights hot-button issues in high-stakes NJ-11 race
  • What crimes Bloomfield police handled on your streets last week
  • Which Bloomfield Halloween events and freebies are happening next weekend?

Also on today's calendar: Estate Planning: 5 Essential Things You Should Know and 10 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the hospital? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Mostly sunny and nice, with a high of 73 and low of 51 degrees.
  • Saturday: High clouds and nice, temps: high: 71, low: 54.
  • Sunday: Rain in the afternoon; cloudy, with a high of 66 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Mejia, Hathaway Visit Essex County As They Battle For NJ-11 Congress Seat (patch.com) — Residents in Bloomfield are getting close attention as Rep. Analilia Mejia holds a local town hall focused on voting rights and artificial intelligence while ramping up her NJ-11 re‑election bid. Republican challenger Joe Hathaway is also crisscrossing Essex County with town halls and train‑station meetups, setting up a high‑profile November rematch that directly affects Bloomfield voters. The race will determine who represents Bloomfield and neighboring towns in Congress as debates over affordability, immigration enforcement, and technology intensify.
   

2. Bloomfield Police Blotter: September 28, 2026 to October 4, 2026 (secaucusnj.net) — Recent police reports detail a string of shoplifting, thefts from homes and cars, and a stolen Honda Civic in Bloomfield between September 28 and October 4. Incidents center on Franklin Street stores, Grove Street, Llewellyn Avenue, and First Avenue, with detectives still investigating and reminding residents that all suspects are presumed innocent.
   

3. Essex County Daily Buzz: Oct. 8, 2026 (jerseybee.org) — Bloomfield residents have several free, family-friendly options coming up, including an outdoor screening of "Coco" at Felton Field on Oct. 16, electronics recycling on Oct. 17, and a Halloween Spooktacular with candy, magic, and a costume contest downtown. Nearby Essex County towns are also hosting festivals, fundraisers, and kids' programs throughout mid-October, many with free admission or low-cost tickets.
   

4. Grandparent's Day brings families together (essexnewsdaily.com) — Carteret Elementary in Bloomfield recently filled its gym with grandparents and students for a bring-your-own-lunch Grandparent's Day that some families have attended for decades. Organized by school staff and supported by a local business donation, the event celebrated family connections, highlighted the school's welcoming culture, and may expand next year with ideas like students "adopting" a grandparent to encourage more socializing.
   

5. 19th Cheer for the Cure a Huge Success at Bloomfield High, with Tremendous Enthusiasm and Accolades Honoring the Late Karen Centinaro (TAPinto.net) — Bloomfield High School's annual Cheer for the Cure packed Foley Field with energetic squads from across Essex County, raising money to fight cancer while honoring longtime organizer Karen Centinaro. Local athletes, including new participants like Newark East Side, earned awards and praise, and organizers are already aiming to bring at least 20 teams back to Bloomfield for next year's 20th anniversary event.
   

📸 Around Bloomfield

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Taco Bell posted a job opening for Team Member TB39652-PASSAIC in Clifton. Apply here.
  • Domino's Pizza posted a job opening for Customer Service Rep (04504) - 399 Bloomfield Ave in Caldwell. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bloomfield here.

Ok Bloomfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why did the cookie go to the hospital?" — Because he felt crummy. (Thank you Sanda J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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