Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • January 9, 2013 Allendale Incumbents, chief take oath by John Koster Last week’s Allendale Council reorganization session featured the oath of office for two incumbent council members, Jim Strauch and Elizabeth White, and the new volunteer fire chief, Ryan Shute. Strauch, now a four-term veteran, and White, now a three-term veteran, ran uncontested. The only tension at the meeting came when White appeared a few moments after the 8 p.m. starting time. Parking at the municipal lot was at a premium due top the large number of emergency services personnel and friends of those taking the oath. Strauch kept tabs on her progress, saying, “She’s pulling in....she’s getting out of the car...she’s closing the door...” as he watched from the second-floor window. Councilwoman White breezed in with her usual warm smile and the ceremony got under way -- but Strauch got to take the oath first. He requested that John Yakimik, sworn as Allendale’s personal borough engineer in December, hold the Bible for him while Mayor Vince Barra administered the oath. Yakimik, who covered Allendale under contract while working for a consulting engineering firm, now reports directly to Allendale. Dewberry, the consulting firm, will remain available for county-level projects while Yakimik, who has eight years of experience in the Borough of Allendale and a solid local reputation, will cover the borough for all routine matters. White, second in line for the oath, asked that her son Danny hold the Bible. Shute, the new chief of the Allendale Volunteer Fire Department, replaces Chief Dave Baez. Chief Shute and his new assistant fire chief, Tom Smith, won plaudits from the council last year when they offered a detailed and highly organized presentation about department membership requirements and officer requirements to the municipal body. The next regularly scheduled council meeting will take place on Jan. 24. In appreciation Above: Allendale Mayor Vince Barra administers the oath of office to Councilwoman Elizabeth White as White’s son Danny holds the Bible. Below: Barra swears in Councilman Jim Strauch as John Yakimik holds the Bible. Allendale Chamber of Commerce President Nicolette ‘Nickie’ Lisella, left, presents The Allendale Community with a certificate of appreciation for outstanding service during the past 45 years. Accepting were Dr. Hector Giancarlo and Jolanta Giancarlo. Proceeds from the 45th Anniversary Gala will benefit local programs and services and will fund research for the causes, treatments, and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.