The community came to celebrate the dedication of the new Schuylkill Haven Main St clock on Saturday morning April 23rd. It is located near the post office and the Reading & Northern Railroad Station.
The clock is dedicated to the Schuylkill Haven Community, businesses and residents have come together to contribute to the clock as a replacement to the Zwerling landmark. The former clock which graced this space for almost 30 years was not repairable.
Mayor Mike Devlin, who was not there in person sent remarks. In part he stated, “The clock is not only a beautiful reminder of the Zwerling family but it stands as a symbol of volunteerism and hard work from many people.”
Friends, family and local dignitaries celebrated. Hess Catering offered light refreshments and a bite to eat. Special dedication clock cookies made by The Cake Pros were a hit and quickly disappeared! Thanks to Vicky Norris and the Our Haven Foundation for the Main St pot décor and TB Landscaping for a refresh on the clock foundation garden.
The program included singing by the acapella group, The SchuylGurlz opening with the “National Anthem” and closing with “From a Distance”. Jerry Bowman, Schuylkill Haven Council President was the MC, Rev. Shawn VanDyke from First United Church of Christ honored the memory of Dr. Hermann Zwerling and his wife Mary who supported the community in the medical field and through their foundation. Commissioner Gary Hess stated the clock is a symbol of a “time” for friendship and neighbors coming together. Jeffrey Spotts, President of The Greater Schuylkill Haven Business Association spoke of the importance of volunteering and how Schuylkill Haven gets things done. Jessica Seiders, Borough Administrator acknowledged the major contributors to the clock to date.
The true unveiling came a bit early as the wind decided to help and released the colorful parachute cover. Never-the-less, major contributors gathered around the base of the clock for pictures, there were cheers, smiles and a few tears.
Pat Underwood, President of the North Ward Social Club and a major contributor stated, “It was our pleasure and pride to be part of the purchase of the new clock for the Borough.” Another major contributor, Richard “Uncle Dick” Klahr commented. “I am really happy to see the new clock… the old one was missed, so glad to see one back in the borough.” Seth Bowers a 4 year old from Pottsville, is a clock aficionado and was excited to see the unveiling. Bonnie Hasenauer, originally from Haven came to honor Dr. Zwerling as he was her doctor and stated “he was always thinking of others”.
Contributions are still welcome as a special escrow account has been set up to ensure ongoing maintenance of the new clock. Contributions can be made by mailing a payment to the Schuylkill Haven Borough,333 Center Ave, Schuylkill Haven, PA 01792 or contribute to the GoFundMe page , Town Clock for the Borough of Schuylkill Haven : https://gofundme/if947949.
The project brought together the spirit of the community and the work of so many volunteers and the Borough.
Commissioner Gary Hess speaking about “time”
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Representatives of the North Ward Social Club : Pat Underwood, Ken Tobian, David Potts, Sandy Heck, Bryan Heck, April Krause, Lee Fessler, David Moyer and Rickard Klahr and Pam Klahr
The SchuylGurlz singing acapella “From a Distance”
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