Science Center holds great promise

SALISBURY — Jack Mahoney gave the Board of Selectmen an update on the new science and technology center at Housatonic Valley Regional High School at the regular monthly meeting Monday, May 3.

Mahoney, dressed in tennis clothes, apologized for his casual attire. “It’s not meant to be an affront to the dignity of your office, but I have a tennis class to teach.�

Then he launched into a vest-pocket history of the project, which will be located in the former Clark B. Wood agricultural education building on the campus of the Falls Village high school. Part of the building is used now by the artgarage, which provides materials and guidance for student artists after school.

Mahoney sees something similar coming from the Science and Technology Center. “The ‘late buses’ will not be only for football players and artists, but for the kids who are the tinkerers.�

He said the center will be unique — the only one of its kind at a comprehensive high school in the nation, as far as he knows.

“And we’ll pull retired scientists and technicians out of the hillsides — there’s plenty of talent — to act as advisors and mentors.�

Mahoney said the school’s 21st Century Fund has raised about $200,000 so far. (When the Region One Board of Education agreed to turn over the Wood building, which was slated for demolition, part of the deal was that no new taxpayer dollars would be used for the project.)

So far, Mahoney said, “We haven’t touched the building.� If all goes well, he added, the initial contruction and renovations will allow for students to be using the building in the fall.

“But that’s a long way from where we want it to be eventually.�

Selectman Bob Riva said he was “enthused� about the project.

He cited the success of the FFA and agricultural education programs at Housatonic. “They’ve kept kids in school, frankly.�

And he envisioned a situation in the near future in which students, using skills learned at the Science and Technology Center, “start little niche businesses� that allow them to make a living — and stay in the area.

Town Grove building

First Selectman Curtis Rand reported on construction at the Town Grove, noting that the fireplace (now on the lake side of the building) is complete, and Sheetrock, insulation and flooring are under way.

“We’re still hoping for completion in mid-June,� he said.

Riva reported that at the other major municipal construction site, the new firehouse, crews are packing and grading inside the truck bay prior to installing the radiant heating. The transformer is connected, and “we’re making great headway.�

Notes: Rand reported that Animal Control Officer Heather Bartram has resigned. He thanked her for her service, and noted that, for now, calls are automatically routed to Sharon’s dog warden, Marsha Hassig. Anyone interested in the job may call the selectmen’s office or stop by Town Hall.

And Rand said that in anticipation of the fnal report from the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee either at the end of this month or the beginning of June, the selectmen will call a special meeting to present the report to the public.

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