DALTON, Mass. — For the last century, the Dalton CRA has been trying to make lives healthier and better for town residents.

 

But just in case it missed anyone, the venerable recreation center is throwing open its doors next Thursday as part of a weeklong celebration of the CRA's 100th anniversary.

 

The CRA has been marking its centennial all year, and the culmination of those festivities comes Nov. 6-10.

 

One big highlight: free use of the facility from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9. The event also will feature a 15 percent discount on membership that day.

 

The anniversary week gets under way on Monday with a Hi Lo Infusion class from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the gymnasium. From 11 to noon, there will be family swim time in the CRA pool. And on Monday from 1 to 3 p.m., the CRA invites visitors to hear stories of CRA Athletic Hall of Fame inductees in the Hall of Fame Room.

 

On Tuesday morning, there will be a water works aerobics class in the pool from 9 to 10 a.m. At noon, the facility will offer a two-hour clinic for beginners who want to learn the fast growing sport of pickleball. And at 3 p.m., the CRA gym will host a 3-on-3 middle school basketball tournament.

 

Wednesday gets underway at 8:30 a.m. with an hourlong drumming cardio class. From 10 to noon, the gym will be the site of open play for pickleball. And, after school, the Dalton Youth Center will host a drop-in event from 3 to 5:30 p.m. with pizza, ping-pong and "Mario Cart" tournaments.

 

The CRA's youngest patrons will again be a focus on Friday with a DYC Day Camp from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for children in kindergarten through fifth grade with STEM activities, arts and crafts and more at a half-price rate of $20 per child.

 

On Friday evening, the week culminates in the CRA Community Dinner and Celebration in the gym from 5:30 to 9 p.m. A buffet dinner will be served by the Dalton Restaurant and music will be provided by Jack Waldheim. Kelly's Package Store will run a cash bar.

 

Tickets to Friday night's dinner are $10 and are free for veterans and children 10 and younger. They are available at the CRA or online at daltoncra.org. Tickets will be available at the door.