Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • January 9, 2013 Waldwick In his state of the borough speech last week, Waldwick Mayor Thomas Giordano attributed the success the borough has experienced during his first year in office to “a collective effort of so many people who day in and day out care very deeply about our borough.” The mayor said that while the economy continues to struggle, Waldwick is moving forward. He pointed out that the borough had been able to restore the three concerts at the Oval, increase monies for Senior Club activities, work with residents on the I & I program (to keep storm waters from going into the sanitary sewer system thus reducing sewer treatment costs), and continued with shared services with other communities, such as recreation programs with Midland Park. “As always the strength and vitality of Waldwick comes from the people who serve it. Our employees and volunteers continue to put forth extraordinary efforts in their dedication ‘Collective effort’ keeps town moving, mayor says to our borough,” Giordano added, citing the dedicated volunteers and employees who serve the town for performing their duties with exceptional professionalism when Hurricane Sandy hit the borough. “To all our residents who volunteer and put in many hours on different town committees and other organizations in Waldwick. Thank you for all you do. Without you we could not accomplish all that we did and be the borough that we are,” he said. “We will continue to listen, and support all the programs of the different organizations in our borough. We are here to serve you and make your quality of life better,” Giordano pledged. “I believe that our best days lie ahead, and I ask each of you to join with me and this council in our journey to lead Waldwick forward into a future that we all can create and enjoy,” he concluded. Waldwick Borough Clerk Paula Jaegge, right, swears into office newly elected Councilman Anthony Celeste (flanked by his mother, Kamelia, father Tony and sister Adelina) and Councilmen Charles Farricker and Greg Bjork. Waldwick Councilman Frank Palladino was elected council president during last week’s reorganization meeting of the mayor and council. Now starting his fifth year on the governing body, Palladino chairs the council’s Environmental Services Committee and has been actively pursuing Waldwick’s interests with the Northwest Bergen Utilities Authority. He also serves on the Financial and Administrative, Public Works and Buildings and Grounds committees and the Palladino to head council Foreclosed Properties and Beautification special committees. A 20-year borough resident, the council president is the founder and former president of the Warriors Soccer Club and the Italian American Social Club of Waldwick. He has coached baseball, recreation and travel soccer, and St. Luke’s basketball, is an invalid bus driver for St. Elizabeth’s Church. He is also a CCD instructor at St. Luke’s Church and volunteers for the Waldwick Booster Club.