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The paint on the Fitch-Hoose House is in need of refreshing. The exterior was restored six or seven years ago.

Fitch Hoose House Museum in Need of a Paint Job

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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DALTON, Mass. — The Fitch-Hoose House museum is in need of a paint job.
 
Historical Commission co-Chair Louisa M. Horth said at Wednesday's meeting that the paint is starting to peel and weather, and would need to be repainted this year or next year.
 
Commissioners are unsure how much the project would cost but will approach Town Manager Thomas Hutcheson to inquire on the best way to get funding for the project. 
 
In 2014, the Historical Commission got a grant from the "Promoting Community Development and Tourism in Central and Western Massachusetts" program in the amount of $180,000 grant to restore the 1840s-era house. 
 
The back addition with its kitchen and bedroom had been taken off several years ago because of its condition but was added back on during the restoration. 
 
Over the years, the home has gone through a variety of changes, from the color to the now gone vinyl siding and the commission has worked to make the exterior as historically accurate as possible. 
 
In 2019, the Fitch-Hoose House's restoration received the Massachusetts Historical Commission Preservation Award.
 
In other news: 
 
The commission announced that the historic home has had a lot of visitors this summer.
 
• The commission approved another donation of $500 to First Congregational Church to demonstrate appreciation for allowing it to store items there at no cost. 
 
This is the third time the commission approved a donation to the church, donating a total of $1,500 using its Friends account. 

Tags: historical building,   historical commission,   

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Pittsfield Police Chief Retiring in January

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police Chief Thomas Dawley will retire next month after 24 years with the Pittsfield Police Department, and the mayor will appoint his successor. 

Dawley's last day will be on Jan. 9, and he told iBerkshires that it was "just time." He began his law enforcement career in 1995 at the Berkshire County House of Corrections and was appointed police chief in June 2024

"Reasons for leaving are cumulative. I have been in law enforcement for almost 30 years. There is no particular reason for my retirement, I just feel that it is time," he wrote in an email. 

"I love the profession and love this department. The duties, responsibilities and obligations as a Chief are very demanding. It is a lifestyle, not a job. It is a 24/7–365 days a year responsibility." 

According to The Berkshire Eagle, Dawley told Mayor Peter Marchetti of his intention to retire back in April but had kept the decision quiet. Marchetti is expected to choose his successor in the next couple of weeks. 

Dawley, 52, was "honored and humbled" when he was chosen two years ago to succeed Michael Wynn, he said, and he misses being an officer out in the community, as the role of chief is more administrative by nature. He described the officers and civilian staff at the department as "the best of the best" and is proud of the "second to none" dedication, professionalism, and commitment they bring to work every day. 

"Policing is different than it was 10-20 years ago and the profession is being tested daily," he noted. 

"I want a new challenge and preferably something that does not involve law enforcement, but I am definitely not ruling it out!" 

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