Big Y Kicks Off Partners of Hope Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Big Y has kicked off their annual Partners of Hope campaign. 
 
Each October the initiative helps raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and treatment. The Partners of Hope campaign enables Big Y to give assistance to local breast cancer organizations, hospitals and medical centers. In 2023, the campaign raised over $40,000. In addition, Big Y matches the donations made each year.
 
In Berkshire County the beneficiaries this year will include Pittsfield Berkshire Medical Center Women's Imaging Center.
 
To participate, customers can purchase a Partners of Hope ribbon for $1 dollar when checking out at any Big Y location or donate directly at https://www.bigy.com/community/breast-cancer-awareness, now through Oct. 23.
 
All proceeds from Big Y's Partners of Hope Campaign are donated to 33 local breast cancer support groups throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. 
 
"The support from Big Y and their customers is incredibly helpful to the Karl J. Krapek, Sr. Comprehensive Women's Health Center at Saint Francis Hospital and our patients. The funds raised go directly to our free mammogram program and patient assistance fund, which helps support women in our community who may not otherwise have access to these lifesaving procedures. Thank you for supporting our mission to provide high-quality, equitable care to all," said Christina Metcalf, Division Director, Breast Surgery, Saint Francis Hospital.
 
Since 2007, the initiative has raised more than $2.7 Million dollars. In addition, many products have special pink packaging, that indicates the product manufacturers will be donating a portion of their proceeds to breast cancer research and education throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
 
According to Michael P. D'Amour, President and CEO of Big Y: "Breast cancer affects thousands of people in our community each year. The purpose of our Partners of Hope campaign is to raise awareness about education, early detection and help provide vital resources to empower individuals in their journey. We invite everyone to join us in this
important fight."

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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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