SECAUCUS AND BEYOND – The good townspeople of Secaucus – who are very much like the good people of Dr. Seuss’ Whoville – must have been awfully good this year.
Why?
Because on Thursday morning at around 9 a.m. Santa Claus is taking a break from his very busy holiday schedule to deliver the long wished for community town clock, which will be installed in the center of town outside Marra Drugs.
(Town officials assured the Reporter that it’s the real Santa Claus who will be delivering the clock, and definitely not a Department of Public Works staffer merely dressed as Santa Claus. And, yes, there will be elves on hand to help as well.)
The 16-foot clock features four faces, three of which were sponsored by Marra Drugs, Xchange at Secaucus Junction, and Hartz Mountain Industries at $5,000 each. The municipality is still seeking a sponsor for the fourth clock face.
Members of the community are also able to make donations the timepiece through the town’s Adopt the Clock program. Secaucus is offering three giving levels at $200, $300, and $450. The money raised will be used to purchase the clock and cover the cost of maintenance and upkeep.
To sweeten the deal, the town is offering incentives to attract donations.
Residents who give $200 will receive a pewter replica of the actual clock, while those who donate $300 can have either their names or a brief message inscribed on a plaque that will be affixed to the base of the clock.
Residents who give at the highest level of $450 will receive both the replica and an inscription.
“Once the clock arrives we hope it generates a greater feeling of pride among our residents, and we hope the excitement generated will encourage community minded people to adopt the clock,” said Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli. “It really is a way for residents to make tomorrow’s history today.” The clock was purchased from the Cincinnati-based Verdin Co. – E. Assata
Wright