'Rent a Backpack' Soon to Start at Dalton Library

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Tuesday, March 26, 2024Print Story | Email Story

DALTON, Mass. — Hikers can soon rent a backpack full of beginner hiking material at the Dalton Free Public Library.

Berkshire Family Hikes founder Taylor Staubach said the endeavor will be launched with a hike of the Pines with the town's Open Space and Recreation Committee.

Staubach is still in the process of planning the event but hopes to have it on a weekend in mid-May.

The organization's Uncommon Paths Program was approved for a $648 grant through the Cultural Council in November. The program includes a backpack-borrowing initiative.

The endeavor will allow library card holders to rent a backpack at the Dalton Library at no cost. Hikers can rent the bag for one week.

The pack will be filled with materials a beginner hiker will find useful, including a first aid kit, binoculars, compass, and more. The library will have two bags available.

Although hikers can bring the bag to other hiking destinations in the area, Staubach wanted to find a way to incorporate the Pines into the program because of its accessibility.

"I feel like it serves that dual purpose to really raise the awareness of that property and its newness, and its inclusiveness for all mobilities," Staubach said.

"I also think I'm not opposed to people wanting to take it up to the Appalachian Trail or the Boulders either or even outside of Dalton, but it's really aimed at creating a community initiative to encourage people to get outdoors."

Tags: hiking,

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Preview: First Pittsfield City Council Meeting of the Term

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:06PM / Monday, January 12, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council will handle grants, subcommittee assignments, and a local historic district effort during its first meeting of the new term on Tuesday.

On the agenda is a $50,000 donation from the Feigenbaum Foundation Inc. for the Wahconah Park ice rink, a $66,826.52 Violence Against Women's Act STOP state grant for the Police Department, and a petition to establish a Local Historic District Study Committee for the Park Square area.

New and returning City Council and School Committee members were inaugurated on Jan. 5 at City Hall. Councilor at Large Earl Persip III was elected president, and Councilor at Large Peter White vice president.

White previously served as the president, and Persip as vice president.

"I know firsthand the complexities of opposition and how important it is to work together to provide the best and most efficient services to residents, businesses, and our community. I look forward to working with you in this new capacity," Mayor Peter Marchetti said to Persip during the swearing-in ceremony.

"Vice President White, you have a vital role on the council, and your previous work will be helpful. I know when you served as my vice president, you were the best parliamentarian that anyone could ask for, and I’m sure you will continue that work."

The $50,000 grant from the Feigenbaum Foundation will go toward Pittsfield’s effort to bring outdoor public ice skating back with a portable rink in front of Wahconah Park. The city is working on its plan for the historic baseball park after the deteriorated grandstand is demolished, and wants to bring life to the property in the meantime.

The funds will be directed at programming activities on the ice rink, preferably for a skate rental and community access program.