JAY – The town’s new clock has arrived and will be installed as soon as electrical service capacity is increased. Getting the clock has been a townwide effort over the past two years, spearheaded by town office workers, to raise $9,000.

The black clock with gold trim and lettering and a white face sat partially crated on the town office front lawn on Monday. It reads “Inc. 1795, Town of Jay” on the front, above the clock face.

It was made by Verdin & Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio.

“Can you believe we’ve set this up in two years?” Town Clerk Ronda Palmer marveled as she looked at the clock.

Lori Shink, another town office worker, thought up the idea and launched the plan to get the clock to mark the town center.

Though the location of new town office has changed a bit, it still is a busy place, located across from Jay Plaza on Route 4.

“We’re all excited,” Shink said.

It’s been a lot of work but well worth it, another worker, Lori Simpson added.

The clock was stored at the highway garage out of sight until Monday when workers brought it to the town office and discovered that a heavier current load needed to be installed to operate it.

“I think it’s wonderful that we’re beautifying the town,” Code Enforcement Officer Shiloh Ring said.

Town Manager Ruth Marden agreed.

“It’s a wonderful addition to the town. It gives us a spirit of community,” Marden said.

“Lori (Shink) and the girls, and Ruth have done an awesome job,” Financial Director Lisa Bryant said. “Even the highway guys are helping put it in.”

Shink said it was the community, businesses and residents who donated money or raffle items or bought raffle tickets or candy bars that made it happen. Town workers even held two carnivals, a circus and did an event at the Apple-Pumpkin Festival to help raise money.