The clock is ticking on this year's Vocal Group Hall of Fame and Museum induction events, and Bob Crosby is tending to last-minute details.

"It's always just enough," the hall's director said of time, money and ability. "We're just about out of money again but we'll make it."

Although the Sept. 16 induction ceremony is not public, the hall has planned more events surrounding it than ever, with more chances for fans to hobnob with their favorite singers.

And while the hall is devoted to Sharon, its top priority is the artists it honors, Crosby said. The support this year's events draw will play into the local future of the hall.

Over four days, the hall will have a rehearsal dinner, two concerts, a Pennsylvania Senate hearing and numerous meet-and-greet events.

Crosby said the decision to expand events was made to draw as much attention to the hall as he can.

"When the artists aren't around here, it is very cold and quiet," Crosby said. "No one seems to come here.

"We have four days of these artists when they're in town and we want to make the best use of them as we can."

In many ways, the hall's condition seems to be critical. Few people who visit the hall make donations, there is no steady volunteer force to take some of the burden off the hall's two-person staff -- the Barbershop Hall of Fame is open only for large tour groups -- and the hall has yet to file tax returns for 2001 and 2002.

The hall also hangs under the cloud of the belief that James E. Winner Jr., who co-founded the hall with Letterman Tony Butala, is bankrolling it.

"Mr. Winner has nothing to do with this," Crosby said. "People come through here thinking he is taking care of us. He is our landlord, period."

030509