Wyckoff September 26, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 Foundation seeks donations to fund Pulis Field project by John Koster The Wyckoff Parks & Recreation Foundation, a private/public partnership, is currently seeking donations to fund improvements to Pulis Field without using tax dollars. The upgrades were approved by the Wyckoff Planning Board in June, and the foundation notes that the only thing standing between the current inefficient, part-time use of the property and the state-of-the-art facility is the final drive for funds. “If we’re able to secure the funding gap between now and the end of September, we will complete the facility in time for spring 2013 use,” said Chris Vanuga, president of the Wyckoff Parks and Recreation Foundation. “Our goal is 100 percent participation of families in our (recreation) program. Some shared sacrifice by everyone in town will lead to a lasting and long overdue improvement of our township. A donor wall at the improved Pulis complex will reflect all of the family and sponsor support for the project.” Vanuga explained that the foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. As a result, any contributions are tax deductible. The plans approved by the Wyckoff Planning Board on June 13 include two regulation multi-purpose fields, one junior field, an additional access road to ease traffic flow, improved parking, lighting, and a bathroom and snack bar facility. The revised plan was the product of extensive discussions and planning in cooperation with the township administration, the Wyckoff Recreation Department and Board, representatives of the various sports programs that plan to use the facility, and the Pulis Field neighbors, including the residents of the Spring Meadow senior (continued on page 7) The Wyckoff Library will host an autumn program, “The Big Read,” which is based on the life and legacy of Edgar Allan Poe. Events will begin this week and run well beyond Halloween. Library Director Mary Witherell was able to obtain a $7,500 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and an equal sum from the Friends of the Wyckoff Library, to support this program. Poe was of one of America’s most famous early authors. In addition to being a ‘The Big Read’ highlights Poe celebrated poet and amateur scientist, he is credited with inventing the detective story and the murder mystery. “I chose to do Edgar Allan Poe because I felt he was appropriate to the largest audience: both sexes and young and old alike,” Witherell explained. She applied for the matching grant and was delighted to have received it, particularly since it was one of only six awarded in New Jersey and the only grant awarded (continued on page 6) An artist’s rendering of the proposed Pulis Fields Project.