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Berkshires Beat: Halloween Weekend

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Trick or Treat

Trick or treat will look different in Berkshire County this year with COVID-19 regulations guiding what communities will allow. Some communities are going forward with door to door trick or treat while others are modifying trick or treat to create lower risk interactions.
 
Some communities have opted out of trick or treat all together.
 
A full list of Berkshire County scheduled trick or treat times and events can be found here.

Halloween at the Village 

Hancock Shaker Village will hold two Halloween events Saturday, Oct. 31.
 
Starting at 4 p.m., there will be a costume contest for kids as well as ghost stories, a scavenger hunt, and a free goody bag (while supplies last). Buildings will be open for exploration and visitors are welcomed to visit the animals.
 
Starting at 6 p.m., "grown-up trick or treat" will begin and adults are encouraged to dress in costume and visit various stations throughout the village to try a "trick" or simple contest. Winners can receive beer, wine, and spirit giveaways and other prizes.
 
There will also be a food truck, fire pit, and music. The night ends at 8:30 p.m.
 
Tickets are $30 and include two drink vouchers. To reserve, visit HancockShakerVillage.org or call 413-443-0188.
 

David Raby Presents "Walking Amongst The Shadows"

Paranormal investigator and author David Raby will present "Walking Amongst The Shadows" as part of Ventfort Hall and Gilded Age Museum Friday Morning Diversion series on Friday, Oct. 30 at 11 a.m.
 
Raby will tell some of his favorite experiences from investigating Ventfort Hall and other historic locations. The talk will also feature audio clips he has captured throughout the years. The talk will encompass locations such as haunted mansions, Revolutionary War and Civil War battlefields, prisons, asylums, hotels and he will include stories of people and families he has helped over the past two decades.
 
100 percent of ticket sales for those events go towards Ventfort Hall's restoration and preservation efforts.
 
To attend the presentation at Ventfort Hall reservations are strongly recommended as seating will be strictly limited. Masks are required and seating will observe social distancing. For reservations call Ventfort Hall at 413-637-3206.
 
Tickets are $20. The event will be offered via Zoom and at Ventfort Hall. To view on Zoom please visit https://ventfort10302020.eventbrite.com
 

Roger the Jester: Tricks are Treats

Dewey Hall presents Roger the Jester Saturday, Oct. 31, at 11 a.m.
 
Roger's family-friendly performance will be Halloween-themed and attendees are encouraged to wear costumes. The performance will be outdoors. 
 
Tickets are free but attendees are asked to make reservations. Groups are limited to four, and each party will have a 5-foot diameter circle to watch the performance in. The circles will all be 6 feet apart  
 
Masks are required. 
 
The space opens at 10:45 a.m.
 

Barrington Stage Company Performs 'Typhoid Mary'

Barrington stage will stream to virtual readings: one on Friday, Oct. 30, and another on Saturday, Oct. 31. Both readings will be at 7:30 p.m .
 
The play features actors Judith Ivey, TR Knight, and Kate MacCluggage and is directed by Matthew Penn.
 
Tickets can be purchased here.
 
 

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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