FORESTVILLE - "It's a reminder to us to count our minutes and hours, to guard ourselves against idleness, and work using all of our resources," said District 5 Legislator Jerry Park at the official dedication of Forestville's solar clock Sunday afternoon.
Perfect weather conditions lent a helping hand to the day's event, when Forestville dignitaries, residents and members of the Forestville Fall Fest committee and Bicentennial Committee gathered together to dedicate a majestic-looking Howard Miller solar clock in front of Cave's Food Mart.
"I think this is very special for our community," said Gloria Yeager, who came up with the idea to order the clock for the village.
"And I think it recognizes the hard work done for our community by the Forestville Fall Fest Committee and the Bicentennial Committee."
The clock was purchased with funds leftover from Forestville's Bicentennial celebration in 2008. Yaeger stated that with no other suggestions on what to do with the leftover funds, she suggested placing a clock somewhere within the village, and researched dealers online.
Shipped from California to Forestville, the clock features solar cells on either side of its bright white quartz face. Yeager noted that the times on both faces were not simultaneous. The clock's producer did tell her that this is normal for outdoor solar clocks adjusting to sunlight and weather patterns, and referred her to a local professional who will assist in correcting the problem.
Newly elected Mayor, Chuck Brewster hopes that Forestville residents and visitors to their village will feel the clock adds something to the look of Forestville, and that it beautifies the landscape.
"It's a nice gesture to celebrate bicentennial, and I hope when people look at the clock, they will remember the gathering at that time and that they will appreciate it," stated Brewster.
Beth Bowker, a Forestville Village Board member stated the location of the clock was decided on because of its unique locale and so that residents and passersby are able to see the clock from all directions.
"When we look back on our history, we, many of us grew up here, this is our town and our village that has created a lot of good people, who go out, work hard and come back and engage in active life here in Forestville, New York State and this great country the United States of America," stated District 3 Legislator Robert Duff.
"I am proud and honored to be a resident of Forestville and proud and honored to speak these words here today."
Immediately following the dedication, those in attendance gathered closely around the clock's base to take a closer look at the structure.
As a crisp breeze passed by, and as passing motorists slowed to take their own look at the new clock, many of the people who served on the Fall Festival Committee and Bicentennial Committee were excitedly discussing flower planting, landscaping and the possibility of placing a plaque at the clock's base.
