The town clock, situated at the entrance to the municipal complex, was originally donated to the town as an Eagle Scout’s qualifying project. Like many of us, Deb Kulwich expected the clock to reappear after the state was finished re-organizing Granby Center. Over the years, it had been especially important to her and her friends as a meet-up location. When the clock did not appear after the roadwork was completed, she decided to get to the bottom of the matter.
Kulwich contacted the Granby Public Works Department and found that the clock was being stored in the town garage. Over the years, its motor was replaced three times, and it was not working when it was removed for the roadwork because that motor had been discontinued. The most recent attempt to have it repaired met with disappointment, as the original manufacturer was no longer in business. Another clock company was contacted for possible repair, but their assessment was discouraging: the cost for repairs and shipping would be as much, or more, as ordering a new clock. That kind of expense was not in the public works budget.
After getting permission from Town Manager Mike Walsh and Public Works Director Kirk Severance, Kulwich began a mission to raise funds for a new clock. Paul Willis and Bob Groper of American Legion Post 182 began the process with their input, attending meetings and volunteering to administer the proper paperwork for the receipt of all donations. Deborah Klotzman from the Lions Club Giving Committee attended meetings and offered her fundraising expertise.
Assistant Vice-president of Windsor Federal Bank Robert Pancoast was the first to donate, followed by Jen Burkhart of Arrow Concrete, which also provided the concrete clock base. Other funds were donated by American Legion Post 182, the Lions Club Giving Committee, Brian Guarco of State Line Propane, the Granby Community Fund and the Kulwich family.
The old clock had a conventional motor; the new one, made by Lumichron Commercial Clocks in Grand Rapids, Mich., runs on an impulse movement. Having no gears or motor, it has fewer parts to fail. It is energy efficient and keeps up with time changes automatically.
Although the design of the clock is basically the same as the old one, the face has no writing on it except for the numbers, and they are larger than on the previous clock. This makes it much easier to read the time.
On Nov. 5 Severance and a public works crew installed the new clock and the landscaping around it. A plaque for the clock, which will be displayed at the base of the clock at a future time, has been designed by Rita Isaacson, who notes that she is “thrilled that the clock is replaced as it was noticeably missed by so many.”
Kulwich appreciates the support of Walsh, the board of selectmen and public works for allowing her to pursue this project. Thanks to everyone who contributed to its accomplishment. They deserve a round of applause for returning one of the icons of Granby Center to its rightful position.