What time is it? The moment to fix the Woodmere clock

For at least 10 years, the clock at the intersection of Irving Place and Broadway in Woodmere that is also called NCJW Way for the National Council of Jewish Women, has not worked. It is stuck at 2 o’clock, providing the correct time only twice a day as the old joke goes.

The Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association, the grassroots organization of local businesses that advocates for the two Town of Hempstead hamlets, contacted Councilman Anthony D’Esposito and it appears that was not a waste of time.

“We asked for help from Councilman Anthony D’Esposito’s office, to see if there is a way to get the clock repaired,” said David Friedman, president if the HWBA. “Although the clock is not registered to the Town of Hempstead, their records show they have maintained and repaired it in the past.”

Friedman said that Jaime Wysocki, a past HWBA president who owns Dance Express in Woodmere, found the information on the clock that comes from a company in Maine. “The town ordered the parts, and we hope to get the clock back into operation soon,” Friedman said.

D’Esposito confirmed he is working with Friedman and the merchants association to restore the clock to perfect working order. D’Esposito credited the town’s workers for getting the electric-powered clock back on “for the first time in years.”

“We are waiting on parts from the manufacturer to complete the restoration and before you know it, not only will it be lit each evening, but you’ll all see the correct time more than twice a day,” he added.

NCJW Way
Past President Jackie Fetner said that at least two decades ago there was a five-day celebration every January — National Council of Jewish Women Week — that included an open board meeting, a special thrift shop sale, a visit to a community service organization, the Founders Day luncheon and a street naming. One year, it’s unclear which one, a post signifying NCJW Way was installed at Irving Place. “We stood outside in our heavy winter coats for a photo op and a picture was placed in the [Herald]!” Fetner said.