Wyckoff October 26, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 9 Assault complaint to be heard in municipal court by John Koster Wyckoff Township Committeeman Thomas Madigan says he expected to be cleared of a charge of assault filed by a minor who was ejected from a Ramapo football game after a confrontation with Madigan, who had been asked to assist with crowd control. Madigan was charged with simple assault on a signed complaint by the juvenile’s mother. The youth’s mother signed a complaint charging that Madigan had “attempted to cause bodily injury to a juvenile specifically by slapping (the) juvenile in the face with an opened hand.” Madigan said the 17-year-old youth struck him first, damaging his eyeglasses, and did not elaborate on advice of his attorney, Raymond Flood of Hackensack. The youth’s family reportedly confirmed that the juvenile was escorted off the field by Franklin Lakes police, tested for chemical abuse, and briefly suspended from school. “For the past 16 years and almost 100 football games,” Madigan said in a written statement. “I have been supporting Ramapo High School and the band selling 5050 raffle tickets and helping at the half-time show. I was asked by the band director to assist with crowd control at the Wayne Hills football game last October. While The Wyckoff Township Committee has introduced two ordinances that will comprehensively allow the use of $90,000 in Bergen County funds for local improvements to make Wyckoff Memorial Town Hall and the Gardens of Wyckoff more accessible to residents with disabilities. The township committee will approve acceptance of a $75,000 Community Development block grant to construct an ADA-compliant automatic opening door at the front entrance and to improve the landing at town hall. The improvement is slated to start in the spring of 2012. Wyckoff has, over the years, received a number of Bergen County Community Development block grants to construct barrier-free ramps into town hall, police headquarters, the Wyckoff Public Library, and the Larkin House, a former residential home donated to the township Township approves improvement grants helping, I was attacked and punched in the face by an unruly student who damaged my glasses. As reported, the student had been drinking, underwent testing, and was suspended from school. “This is very upsetting to me personally and I am anxious for the full truth to come out. I want to be as open as possible with all the facts. Additionally, I am doing everything that I can to maintain respect for the parties involved. I have worked diligently and aggressively to conclude this matter and to uphold my character and good name. “I am grateful to the many friends and supporters who have contacted me and continue to stand behind me. I thank you for your support.” The case is scheduled to be heard in Franklin Lakes Municipal Court on Oct. 31. as a meeting place for seniors and other residents. Barrier-free bathrooms in the Larkin House and the library and an elevator at town hall have also been constructed with Bergen County Community Development funds. The township committee will also accept a $15,000 grant from the Bergen County Open Space Municipal Park Improvement and Development Grant Program to construct a brick paver pathway at the Gardens of Wyckoff Nature Sanctuary on Crescent Avenue. This project is also scheduled to begin in the spring of 2012. The Gardens of Wyckoff consists of land donated to the township by long-time resident Warner Brackett more than a quarter-century ago for the recreation and enjoyment of Wyckoff residents and the conservation of wildlife and the environment. J. KOSTER The Youth Group of Abundant Life Reformed Church, 475 Lafayette Avenue will host its annual Halloween Trunk or Treat program on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. Participants will decorate their car trunks and dispense treats to trick or treaters in the parking lot. The Youth group hosts Trunk or Treat event event will also feature refreshments, a hayride, and visit to the pumpkin patch for a free pumpkin while supplies last. All are welcome. For more information, contact the church at (201) 444-8038, e-mail office@abundantlifewyckoff.org, or visit abundantlifewyckoff.org.