Berkshire Athenaeum Summer Reading Program

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum launches its Read, Renew, Repeat summer reading program on Monday, June 24, 2024. 
 
During the next seven weeks, the library will host a range of free activities for children, teens, and adults to foster and celebrate a love of reading. Participants can win prizes for participating and attend programs to learn about the summer reading theme of conservation and recycling.
 
"We've planned an exciting program for youth this summer. We have events planned at the library, in local parks, and in partnership with community groups to make summer reading a great opportunity to read, learn, and discover," said Youth Services Supervisor Sara Russell-Scholl. "Each part of the program is tailored to the needs and abilities of that age range and is flexible enough that families can adapt the structure to fit their family literacy goals."
 
Events include a Live Animal Show, showcasing up to ten kinds of reptiles, with Uncharted Wild to kick off the summer on Monday, June 24, 2024 at 6 pm in the Library Auditorium. Sports fans will enjoy a visit by Boston Bruins Mascot Blades on Friday, August 2, 2024 at noon. Participants can win a range of prizes from an underwater camera to a year membership to the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum to books, and more.
 

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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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