Kirby Dedication

Ed Kirby was a lot of things. A highly successful coach, geology teacher and administrator at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, he was also a noted area historian who helped in the preservation of a number of historic industrial sites.

Kirby, who died last year at age 93, will be honored at the school on Saturday, June 4th. The event begins (rain or shine) at 10 AM on the Ed Kirby Baseball Field at Housatonic Valley Regional High School.

Attendees of all ages who feel sufficiently agile to hit a ball are invited to participate in a fun-filled batting practice. For those less athletically-minded, Principal Ian Strever will offer a tour of the high school.

The tribute to Kirby begins at 11 AM. Speakers will include Steve Blass (HVRHS class of ’60), who rose to become a Pittsburgh Pirates pitching star and World Series champion under Kirby’s tutelage; Wendy Gerstel (HVRHS class of ’76), engineering geologist/hydrogeologist for 40 years in the western United States; Richard Paddock, historian with the Beckley Iron Furnace State Park; and Anne Kirby (HVRHS class of ’71), who will speak on behalf of the Kirby family.

HVRHS Principal Ian Strever, Pat Mechare (HVRHS class of ’64) and Richard Gustafson (HVRHS class of ’59) will offer welcoming remarks.

A “Lunch at the Ballpark” will follow.

All are invited to attend. To help organizers plan, RSVP by emailing hvrhskirbyfield@gmail.com.