Berkshire Athenaeum Short Story Contest Winners

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, and the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum announced the winners of the 46th Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Children and the 27th Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Young Adults.
 
Entries were combined into five age categories with a total of 28 submissions. A committee of judges read through the submissions and rated the entries on originality, appeal, writing style, and artwork, if applicable. All short story submissions are on display in the Children's Library now through September 21, 2024. The winning submissions are also displayed on the library's website.
 
When asked about his experience as a judge for this year's contest, Jon Wynn said, "I was both honored by the opportunity to judge and impressed by the high quality of the submissions. This year's Short Story Contest included wonderful storytelling and compelling artwork; I'm looking forward to coming back next year to sample more great tales!"
 
2024 winners of the Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Children and Young Adults:
  • Children Age 6
    • 1st place: "What is Hairy's Favorite Season?" by Sage Saldo
    • 2nd place: "The Keeper of the Books" by Evelyn Morin
  • Children Age 7 – 8
    • 1st place: "Hazel and the Gnomes" by Hazel Rodd
    • 2nd place: "The Bedroom Secret" by Talia Crowe
    • 2nd place: "The Wild Monkeys" by Maribella Morin
    • Honorable Mention: "Sage and Stella's Adventure" by Chloe Mishk
  • Children Age 9 – 10
    • 1st place: "Almost Perfect" by Bodhi Goodman-Wu
    • 2nd place: "The Day My Snow Creature Came to Life" by Lucy Simonelli
    • Honorable Mention: "The Tale of How Sometimes the Feeling of Being Watched Can Turninto a Beautiful Friendship" by Sasha Hughes
  • Young Adults Age 11 – 14
    • 1st place: "A Friend Under My Bed" by Suzy Schoeny
    • 2nd place: "The Imagination Fort" by Nora Schoeny
    • Honorable Mention: "The King of Midnight" by Madeleine Love
  • Young Adults Age 15 – 18
    • 1st place: "No Visible End" by Olivia Caraccioli
    • 2nd place: "Gone But Not Forgotten" by Gloria Williams
    • Honorable Mention: "Black Out" by Evelyn Rathbun
 

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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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