Help wanted to wind clock

By: Casha Caponegro
   Township Committeeman Tom Gambino wants to enlist volunteers to maintain the newly renovated Town Hall clock.
   The volunteers would wind the clock at least once a week, make sure that it is properly cleaned and keep it balanced so that it maintains the correct time.
   "I think we can take care of it with a minimum amount of township expense through the use of volunteers," said Mr. Gambino.
   The clock’s bell was made at the McShare Foundation in Baltimore and donated by the Corona Dramatic Club at the school’s dedication in 1897. Members of the Cranbury High School Alumni purchased the clock in 1906.
   Cranbury Landmarks Inc. rebuilt the clock’s face, which had been damaged by a storm years before, as part of the Old School’s renovation in 1976. The bell, which had been silent since about 1967, was not included due to cost.
   With the recent renovations to the Old School, which was rededicated Cranbury’s Town Hall earlier this month, the Historical and Preservation Society raised about $5,000 to fix the clock and bell.
   Repaired by Denis West of West Pattern Works and contractor Mike Kaiser, the bell rang for the first time in more than 30 years at the dedication ceremony.
   Although committee members agreed on Monday that a group will be needed to maintain the clock and bell, there were some objection to using volunteers.
   Committeeman Alan Danser said he was uneasy about giving the public keys to Town Hall.
   Township Attorney William Moran suggested a nominal salary for the clock maintenance workers of about $100 a year, but said this would raise liability issues.
   "If we use volunteers there is no liability because they assume any risks," he said. "If we give them a salary they are entitled to workman’s comp if there is any injury."
   Before decisions are made, Mr. Gambino said the clock tower’s floor and hatch would need to be repaired to reduce the risk of injury.
   In addition, residents at the nearby senior citizens home have written to the committee expressing annoyance that the clock rings during their sleep hours.
   "I think something can be done to stop the chiming after 10 p.m." said Mr. Gambino.
   The committee said it will advertise for volunteers to maintain the clock to see how much interest there is.
   "Someone needs to look after it," said Mr. Gambino. "It needs a mother."