Fourth of July 2023 Issue

in CAD and architecture and
was thrilled to take on the
project. “I get to experience
what actual architecture is
like,” he said. “Instead of just
designing things on my own,
I’ll get to actually design
something for someone, for
the community.”
The students are finding
out firsthand that with a reallife
project comes real-life
stress.
“You have to make everything perfect and
correct. You have to fit into the lines of what
they need, their budget. There’s a lot of things
I didn’t know that I know now, like all the
building codes and things we have to follow,”
said Jacob, who will be taking this experience
directly to Iowa State University, where he’ll
pursue a bachelor’s degree in architecture.
Sophomore Cole Havriliak, 15, of Oak Ridge,
played a big part in the exterior design of
the new building. He takes pride in giving the
veterans what they need—and more. “They
wanted that old building back,” he said. “We
were able to make the building a lot more
modern, with a newer look and not outdated.
And they were open to that, which I was happy
about.”
Cole suggested a cupola. “It will add more
character to the building. We wanted to go
modern farmhouse. It’s going to be blue. I’m
really excited. It’s just going to look good.”
Not all the students have architectural
aspirations. Senior Paytan Grevesen, 18, is an
Environment Science Academy student from
Montville. She has become involved in order
to study the effect of modern construction
on the environment. “We had a class about
ecological design,” she explained. “I think it’s
important to think about things like that and
how we can have a more environmentally
friendly impact on the world.”
Grevesen is taking a look at
how environmental science
can tie into the construction
of the American Legion
building. One way, she said, is
to bring the outdoors in. “In
the main hall, we are going
to have more windows. The
cupola could be opened for
more natural lighting.”
The group is nearing the end of the design
phase, but Nicholas still insists that his
students—like Nick Roberts and Joe Sporer,
who both offered creative alternatives to
the existing plan at a May meeting—explore
revisions and think about the cost analysis
of each design they present to the American
Legion. The process is ongoing, said Nicholas,
who hopes a decision will be made soon.
According to Nicholas, the work the
students are doing is saving the American
Legion approximately $15,000 to $20,000 in
architectural fees.
Doty and the committee are thankful for
the support from the town and hope to
restore Post 245 to its former luster in time
for Memorial Day 2024. He’s also hoping the
attention being paid to the Legion will prove
fruitful in other ways, like membership and
involvement.
Left to right: With video camera in hand, Savannah Peters walks
through the rubble after filming. Ainesh Gobind and Jason Nicholas
discuss design elements as Kiley Shatzel looks on.
“Members are getting older; we’re not
getting new members. I’m hoping, with the
new building, we get new, younger members to
help out, take over stuff. It’s going to be nice.”
According to Felter, an Adopt a Table, Adopt
a Chair program will be offered soon to help
raise funds for furnishing the new building.
Anyone will be able to purchase as little as a
single chair or table or as many as they want.
“It’s a way to contribute to the project and
be able to say, ‘I helped rebuild the Legion,’”
he said.
“It’s a great project that gets us involved with
our community,” added Grevesen. “And give
back to these great guys who gave so much for
us. It’s our way to give back to them.”
To donate services or to help with the
rebuild email Don Doty at donandarlene@
yahoo.com or call Russ Felter at 973-224-3827.
To donate money for the rebuild, send a
check to American Legion Post 245, PO Box
187, Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey 07849.
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