Library's Short Story Contest Begins June 1

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, and the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum announced the 46th Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Children and the 27th Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Young Adults.
 
The contest opens on Saturday, June 1, 2024, and closes at 4 pm on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024.
 
Youth Services Library Assistant Katie Robertson remembered entering the Library's short story contest as a youth.
 
 "It made me excited to have something I wrote featured in the library. It made me so proud,” she said. “I love to share this experience with young library patrons and encourage them to use their creative voice."
 
In anticipation of the contest, the Library is hosting three writing workshops for youth in June. The Children's Writing Workshops will take place on Monday. June 3, and Monday, June 17 at 3:30 pm for youth ages 6-13. 
 
The workshop will offer a relaxing, supportive environment to work on short story ideas The Writing Workshops for Teens will be led by local author and library staff member Jon Wynn on Monday, June 10 at 3:30 pm for youth ages 11-18.
 
The Library accepts submissions in person at the Library, via mail, or by email. Children's entries can be emailed to childrens@pittsfieldlibrary.org and Young Adult entries to youngadult@pittsfieldlibrary.org.
 
For more information and official rules, visit www.pittsfieldlibrary.org, email childrens@pittsfieldlibrary.org with "Short Story Contest in the subject line, or call the Children's Library at (413) 499-9480, option 5.
 

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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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