Science building debuts – at Housy

FALLS VILLAGE — It was years in coming but the day finally arrived. The new Science and Technology Building (in the former agricultural education wing) was inaugurated at an open house at Housatonic Valley Regional High School on Sunday, June 5. The event was hosted by the fundraising organization that helped make the renovation possible: The 21st Century Fund, which is part of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.The open house had a slightly bittersweet tinge to it, coming just weeks after the death of former Housatonic Principal Jack Mahoney. A tireless booster for the high school and its students, Mahoney was one of the guiding lights behind not only the 21st Century Fund but also the Science and Technology Building. It was in large part thanks to his efforts that, by last May, $210,000 had been raised for the renovation of the former Clarke Wood ag ed center. An additional grant of $196,000 from Build Green brought the project from dream to reality. More money is still needed, however. Carol Schultz said the open house on Sunday was more than just a celebration of the center. It was also the kickoff of a capital campaign to raise additional dollars. She stressed that no tax money has been used for this project.John Perotti, chairman of the 21st Century Fund advisory board said, the building should be in “satisfactory shape” by September, and ready for student use. “We will have a certificate of occupancy and the facility will be ready for use, though all learning units will not yet be in place.” Perotti said this project would not have been possible without the work and help of the entire community, including valuable contributions by architect Einar Lindholm, plumber Frank Perotti and the fund’s building coordinator, retired Housatonic teacher David Lindsay (who was founder of the school’s robotics team, which will have a home in the Science and Technology Building). Volunteer labor was provided primarily by the Build Green group.“The Science and Technology Building will never be finished. It will always be a work in progress as new technologies are brought online for students.” When asked for an example, Lindsay cited nano-technology, or ultra miniaturization.Next fall, the robotics team will be the first to use the renovated space, which will also have a television studio.The new center will certainly be a warm place for students and faculty. When grant money becomes available, there are plans to install a solar-panel rooftop heating system, an electric heating system and a propane heating system. When asked why so many heating systems, Lindsay said they will all be separately metered so students have the opportunity to determine which work the best, are most efficient and economical. This will help students develop their own beliefs about heating technologies. There are also plans to eventually install an electric automobile charging station.Retired Region One board clerk (and HVRHS alumna) Dorothy “Dot” Cecchinato was given a tour of the building by John Perotti. When asked what she thought of the project, Cecchinato, who graduated in 1947, said she was glad the Clarke Wood building had been saved, and she was happy to see students learning more about science.