Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • November 27, 2013 Wyckoff Wyckoff Wanderings Russell Farms Park officially opens by John Koster The opening of Wyckoff’s Russell Farms Community Park drew a number of public officials to celebrate the completion of a project that will lead to the further green- ing of Wyckoff. Mayor Rudy Boonstra and Township Committeemen Kevin Rooney and Brian Scanlan kept the public updated on the progress of the park’s development right down to the wire. Former Township Committeeman David Connolly was active in ensuring that the land was ready for purchase in the days before Wyckoff acquired the parcel in April 2012. Connolly memorably referred to pol- lution by residual pesticide as “the 600- pound gorilla in the corner of the room.” He assured residents that the property transfer would not take place until the Department of Environmental Protection had signed off (continued on page 12) Township Committeemen Haakon Jepson, Kevin Rooney, and Brian Scanlan, Bergen County Freeholders Maura DeNicola and Tracy Silna Zur, Township Committeeman Doug Christie and Mayor Rudy Boonstra School board appoints new teachers The Wyckoff K-8 Board of Education appointed two new teachers at the Nov. 18 meeting and approved some other transfers. Brittany Storms was hired as a leave replacement grade two teacher at the Lincoln School, Step 1 with a BA degree at $48,782 pro-rated effective from about Jan. 2, 2014 through mid-May. Lauren Griffith was appointed a leave replacement teacher at the Lincoln School kindergarten, Step 1 with a BA degree at $48,782 pro-rated with an approximate work schedule of Jan. 2, 2014 to early May. Mary Beth Perry was appointed a kindergarten class- room aide at the Coolidge School, Step 1, Tier IV, at $19.25 per hour for 26 hours per week, effective immediately through June 30. Beth Lindner-Bickerstaffe was approved for an addi- tional two hours per week as a basic skills teacher from Oct. 1 through May 30 and approved for another additional eight-hour increment already completed during the month of October. J. KOSTER Christmas Tree Sale under way The Wyckoff Lions Club’s annual Christmas Tree Sale is under way at the parking lot across from Boulder Run on Franklin Avenue. The sale will continue through Dec. 20 or until all the trees are sold. This is the 40th year of the club’s sale. The Lions are offering a selection of balsam, Frasier, and Douglas firs. This year, a wreath maker will be on site to assist with designing wreaths in 12-, 16-, and 20- inch sizes. Sale hours are Monday through Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wyckoff Town Hall Menorah Lighting set The Wyckoff Town Hall Menorah Lighting and Cha- nukah Celebration will be held Sunday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. In addition to the menorah lighting, there will be Chanu- kah refreshments, glow-giveaways, and a special contest. Mayor Rudy Boonstra and local officials will be partici- pating. This program is free. For more information, or to become a sponsor, contact Chabad Jewish Center at (201) 848-0449 or visit www. chabadplace.org. Annual Coat Drive in progress Grace Nursery School in Wyckoff is collecting gently- used coats for Oasis: A Haven for Women and Children in Paterson. The school is also asking for donations of hats, gloves, and mittens. Donations may be brought to the school at 555 Russell Avenue in Wyckoff from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. The drive will be held through Dec. 13. Oasis was founded on the belief that every woman and child deserves the opportunity to reach his or her full- est potential. The organization serves over 65,000 meals annually and provided education and support services to 600 women and children daily. For more information, call the school at (201) 891- 4895.