Community Pitches in on CRA Gym Renovation

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DALTON, Mass. — More than 50 volunteers came together Sunday, Sept. 28, to begin a major renovation of the Community Recreation Association's (CRA) Dalton Youth Center (DYC) gymnasium. 
 
Volunteers from the Dalton Benefit Association, Champlain Masonry, Baumann Trucking, CRA staff and Board of Trustees, and Wahconah Regional High School boys' football, basketball, and soccer teams joined forces to remove the gym's 50-year-old floor, paving the way for construction to begin.
 
The $80,000 renovation project will transform the gym with a brand-new playing surface, upgraded bench seating, wall pads, hoops, scoreboard, and a fresh coat of paint.
 
On Sept. 20, the CRA announced that the remodeled DYC gym will be dedicated as the Dan McMahon Court, honoring the CRA's longtime recreation and social program director who retired last year after 33 years of dedicated service to the organization and community.
 
"This project is about more than updating a gym — it's about honoring Dan's legacy and ensuring the next generation has a place to gather, play, and grow," said CRA Executive Director Alison Peters. "We're grateful for all those who turned out to get us off to a great start."
 
Construction is expected to be completed in time for the start of the CRA youth basketball season in Nov. 
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Dance Fundraiser to Support Boston Children’s Hospital

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DALTON, Mass. -- Grooving for Good, a dance fund-raiser to benefit the Boston Children's Hospital, is scheduled for Friday, March 27, at the Stationery Factory.
 
The event will support local business owner Tony Riello, who will run April's Boston Marathon as part of the hospital's Miles for Miracles team.
 
March marks one year since Riello’s son, AJ, then 15, underwent open-heart surgery while awaiting a heart transplant at Boston Children’s Hospital. AJ received his transplant shortly after and is now thriving—back in school as a sophomore, looking forward to summer, and preparing for his junior year of high school.
 
The Riello family is committed to giving back to the hospital and community that supported them during their most difficult days.
 
“Boston Children’s saved AJ’s life,” the family shared. “We want to pay forward the love, expertise, and hope we received.”
 
Grooving For Good invites the community to celebrate, dance, and give back. Attendees may choose from two ticket options: $25 for dance party admission or $50 for Dance Marathon entry with a chance to compete for a $1,000 prize.
 
The evening will also feature raffles, a 50/50 drawing, and additional surprises to keep the energy high throughout the night.
 
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