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As the original book was revealed to the commission, members remarked on the wonderful job Adams Specialty & Printing Co. did putting the book back together.

Reissued Copy of 'Down Memory Lane' for Sale Now

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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The commission used an original copy of the book, which belonged to the late Mary Jane Caliento who served on the commission.
DALTON, Mass. — The reissuing of the book "Down Memory Lane" has received a lot of interest from the community, the historical commission said during its meeting Wednesday afternoon. 
 
The commission started to accept orders on Thursday and has already received 10 orders. They initially ordered 20 copies from Adams Specialty & Printing Co. but voted to order another 20 due to the high demand.
 
Resident Bonnie Eastwood said they hope to get the new prints before Christmas.
 
The book is a compiled series of weekly columns by the Rev. Franklin L. "Cap" Couch that appeared in the now-defunct Dalton News Record from 1972 to 1977
 
To cover printing costs, a book is priced at $25. Currently, the only payment method accepted is by check only.
 
Order forms can be obtained from Dalton Public Library, Senior Center, and the Clerk's office at Town Hall. 
 
The commission also showed interest in selling the books at elections where they will be able to accept cash. During elections, the commission will meet to determine how many copies they should order. 
 
The commission will send a copy of the reissued book to Franklin 'Cap' Couch's son, Robert Couch. 
 
Couch approved the district's initiative to reissue his father's book during a meeting in September. 
 
Adams Specialty & Printing Co. did a great job, Eastwood said. Showing off the cover and inside dedication. 
 
The commission used an original copy of the book, which belonged to the late Mary Jane Caliento who served on the commission. 
 
When Caliento passed in March 2022 the book was added to the commission's collection. The tattered book had pages falling out prior to being used in the reprinting process. 
 
As the original book was revealed to the commission, members remarked on the wonderful job Adams Specialty & Printing Co. did putting the book back together.
 
Adams Specialty & Printing Co. took the book apart, scanned the pages, and placed the yellowing pages into a new binding, giving the book a much-needed makeover. 
 
In other news: 
 
The commission is in the process of reorganizing its collection now that they have moved back into the Town Hall. 
 
They are looking to find volunteers willing to move the fireproof cabinet from the basement to their office on the second floor of the town hall. 

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CRA Welcomes New Executive Director

DALTON, Mass. — The Community Recreation Association (CRA) Board of Trustees announced Ariana Massery as the nonprofit's new Executive Director, succeeding Alison Peters, who is retiring after 16 years of dedicated leadership and service.
 
Massery brings more than a decade of experience in organizational leadership, community engagement, and large-scale program management. She joins the CRA after serving as a senior leader at Jacob's Pillow.  Her last role was as Director of Strategic Initiatives, People, and Culture.
 
"As we work to meet the evolving needs of the local communities we serve, the Board is excited to welcome Ariana, who is a proven, dynamic leader with a broad skill set and experience base, including significant experience with marketing, and fundraising efforts within a larger regional organization," said Rich Rowe, president of the CRA Board of Trustees. "Ariana's vision and collaborative approach will enhance the CRA's capacity and will position the organization for an exciting new chapter as we navigate a shifting funding landscape."
 
Massery said that this role represents an exciting next step in her career with an organization that reflects her own values and belief in community. 
 
"The CRA plays a critical role in the health and vitality not only of Dalton but all of Central Berkshire County," she said. "I am eager to bring my skills to the CRA, listen and learn from the community, and work alongside our staff, members, board, and partners to build on this strong foundation and support the programs that have made the CRA a vital and vibrant community organization for more than a century."
 
The CRA Board also expressed gratitude for outgoing Executive Director Alison Peters, whose tenure included significant program expansion, improvements to community access, and strengthened partnerships across the region. 
 
"Alison has been a warm, steady, and compassionate leader whose work has helped the organization evolve significantly over her 16 years of leadership," Rowe added. "We wish her every joy in her well-deserved retirement."
 
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