Pierce Hall Celebrates!

Many people stopped by the Pierce Hall Community Center (PHCC) in Rochester late Saturday afternoon for a celebration of the completion of Phase II of the renovation project. Work on the infrastructure has included removal of the Masonic lodge room from the auditorium, installation of a lower level cement slab with heat, and a state-required sprinkler system. Tours of the building were given throughout the afternoon.

Following a welcome from Valerie Levitan, executive director of the PHCC Board of Directors, PHCC President Bill Zucca presented a plaque with the founders’ names. Stephen Kittredge of the Masons also spoke and asked fellow Masons to stand in recognition of their donation of the building.

Each board member read a list of contributors to the project, and it was noted that of the $547,500 spent so far, $250,000 came from private donations.

Legislators Sandy Haas, John Campbell, and Claire Ayers were present to lend their support. The keynote address was given by Ann Cousins, of the Preservation Trust of Vermont, who has acted as a guide to the PHCC board for more than six years.

Bill Zucca conducted a toast to the next phase, which is the restoration of the auditorium. Volunteers, especially skilled carpenters, are needed for this phase and anyone interested in volunteering is urged to call Zucca at 767-4270.

The program concluded with Jeanie Levitan Crickard leading a group in singing period songs from 1916, including special lyrics sung to the tune of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," relating to the PHCC project.

The Pierce Hall Community Center, Inc. is a non-profit, 50lC3 tax-exempt organization bringing together the communities of the White River Valley: Granville, Hancock, Rochester, Stockbridge, and Pittsfield. For more information, go to www.piercehall.org.

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