Berkshire Organizations Awarded Mass Cultural Council Grants

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — MassDevelopment and Mass Cultural Council announced the award of a $6,159,900 investment into 88 nonprofit and municipal cultural organizations through the Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF), which the two agencies jointly administer.
 
Berkshire County awardees include:
 
Barrington Stage was awarded $112,000 to install updated theatrical lighting and audio equipment for the St. Germain Stage at the Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center.
 
Berkshire County Historical Society was awarded $28,000 to support the creation of a new public sewer connection at arrowhead.
 
Berkshire Film and Media was awarded $200,000 was awarded $200,000 to complete predevelopment costs for the creation of BFMC+/Kemble Street Studios.
 
Berkshire Pulse was awarded $10,000 to study the feasibility of expanding studio space into the second floor of 420 Park Street.
 
Berkshire Theatre Group was awarded $153,000 for the installation of solar panels on the Colonial Theatre and warehouse roof.
 
Hancock Shaker Village  was awarded $200,000 to expand gallery space, create a new climate-controlled collections storage area, install an elevator, and reconfigure lobby and reception areas.
 
Sheffield Historical Society was awarded $78,000 for drainage, grout and foundation work to the Old Stone Store.
 
Monterey was awarded $33,000 for architectural and engineering plans for the construction of new open air pavilion as part of the Monterey Community Center.
 
The Triplex Cinema was awarded $200,000 to support the reopening their second largest theater by making the building ADA-compliant and improving health and safety measures.
 
Ventfort Hall was awarded $149,000 to repair and rebuild four chimneys on the mansion roof.
 
CFF provides capital and planning grants to nonprofit organizations, colleges, and municipalities that own or operate facilities primarily focused on the arts, humanities, and sciences. These awards invest in the acquisition, design, repair, renovation, expansion, and construction of nonprofit and municipal cultural facilities. All selected projects are subject to a 1:1 matching requirement.
 
The Cultural Facilities Fund is financed annually through the Governor's Capital Spending Plan. In FY24, the Healey-Driscoll Administration invested $10 million into the CFF, which supports the awards announced today.
 
 

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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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