$25K Lowe’s grant could help put final touches on Jack's Place

PHOTOGRAPHER: Marc Schultz

Kate and Jack Falvo Jr. pose in front of Jack's Place, which is being built at 17 Rosa Road in Schenectady, on May 27, 2015.

The completion date for Jack’s Place at 17 Rosa Road, a temporary home for families of seriously ill patients at Ellis Hospital and Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, has not yet been announced, but a $25,000 grant from Lowe’s could help push the project toward its August goal.

“The date has actually moved back a few times because things haven’t gone quite as fast as they thought they would,” Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy said. “Really, now all the rough work is done, so it’s really just doing the finishing

work, which they tell me will move rather rapidly.”

The house, when completed, will have eight bedrooms.

Progress on the home has begun to pick up with the framing, lighting, electrical, plumbing and sprinkler system already finished.

“The siding is going on, so we’re going to finish that up,” said Kate Falvo, vice president of the Jack Falvo III Foundation. “Once you start getting the Sheetrock and getting that done and the flooring, we’ll be in good shape. It’s come a long way.”

Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School students involved in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration; electrical; carpentry; heavy equipment; and floral programs have been working on the home while also learning their chosen trade.

The students and member of SkillsUSA, a national organization for career and technical students, sought the grant from Lowe’s to purchase supplies and continue construction on Jack’s Place.

Denise Capece, principal of the Albany CTE and area III administrator trustee to SkillsUSA, said that culinary students “will be coming down to cook” for the families lodging at Jack’s Place as well.

“We were shooting for August. Our goal was to have it open by then because we get such a turnout for our golf tournament that we wanted to be able to show them this is it,” said Kate Falvo. “Nine years in the making and here we are, but that might be a little aggressive.”

Once the project is finished, the Falvo family also plans on visiting the families staying at the home to provide a comforting environment.

“We know that the atmosphere is going to be a home away from home for them and that’s one of our objectives and our goals,” said Jack Falvo Jr., treasurer of the Jack Falvo III Foundation. “And to make them as comfortable as possible knowing what they’re dealing with. And they’ll be dealing with tragedy also, so if we can give them some relief and comfort, a home away from home, that’s our goal.”

Jack’s Place is supported by the Jack Falvo III Foundation in memory of Jack Falvo III, the son of Jack Falvo Jr. and Kate Falvo, who died in a personal watercraft accident in 2005.

“Out of this tragedy, knowing that Jack’s Place is going to help is such a relief,” said Jack Falvo Jr.