The Clock Winding Committee
Cranbury Press: October 26, 2001
Cranbury Press: November 23, 2001
Following the 2001 Restoration, a key question needed to be answered regarding the clock: Who would wind it and ensure that it was running smoothly? Committeeman Tom Gambino suggested that volunteers from the Township be used. As reported in the Cranbury Press on October 26, 2001:
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 minimum amount of township expense through the use of volunteers,” said Mr. Gambino ... “Someone needs to look after it. It needs a mother.”
Township attorney William Moran suggested that each volunteer be paid $100 a year:
“If we give them a salary they are entitled to workman’s comp if there is an injury.”
By the end of November, the plan was in place and a team of volunteers had been assembled. As reported in the Cranbury Press on November 23, 2001, Tom Gambino was optimistic that the new Clock Winding Committee would prevent the clock from falling into complete disrepair, as had happened in the past:
“We have had a lot of positive feedback from the Town," said Mr. Gambino. "A committee of volunteers would be the ideal vehicle to look after the clock so it will survive into the future. ... Hopefully by constructing a group to look after the clock we will prevent this [complete disrepair] from happening again.”
The article ended with Mr. Gambino reflecting on his ongoing love affair with the historic clock:
As one of his last projects before he retires from the Township Committee at the end of this year, Mr. Gambino said he has enjoyed working on the clock. "I have had more fun with this than with anything I have done on the committee," said Mr. Gambino. "It has been a satisfying experience and will continue to be so in the future."
