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City councilors got in on the fun with scary toters in the Pittsfield Halloween Parade on Friday night. Look for more pictures this week.
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Ellen Spear and Superintendent of Schools Joseph Curtis host Pittsfield Community Television's coverage of the event.
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Councilors Patrick Kavey, Kenneth Warren and Dina Lampiasi dressed as characters from 'Hocus Pocus.'
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Ghouls, Goblins Turn Out for Pittsfield Halloween Parade

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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Lisa Torrey, Darin Torrey and Jen Glockner were judges for the floats this year.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ghouls, goblins, and pop culture icons lined Tyler Street on Friday night for the city's annual Halloween Parade.

The "Spooky Hollywood" theme brought characters from "Ghostbusters," the "Wizard of Oz," and slasher icons. This was the 78th Halloween parade in the city and the last one led by Special Events Coordinator Maddy Brown, who will vacate the position next month.

"It's bittersweet. I've loved my time with the city and I couldn't be more grateful to everybody here," Brown said. "This was the first big event I did last year, ironically, it's my last now but I'm glad to be able to see it through."

Parade planning began at the end of summer and Downtown Pittsfield Inc. Executive Director Rebecca Brien was credited for helping to make it happen.

The event is a draw for Halloween lovers from all over the county, attracting about 5,000 people in 2022.

Participants included the City Council, Pittsfield Public Schools, some local businesses, and a group of local drag performers.  There were 25 units in the procession.


Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey, and Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi dressed as characters from "Hocus Pocus." They incorporated a call to action into the group costume, pushing a recycling toter with a sign that read "Real witches recycle."

RSVP Director Lisa Torrey, Darin Torrey of the Highway Department, and Cultural Development Director Jennifer Glockner were among the float judges. They were tasked with ranking by theme, effort, originality, and costumes.

Glockner explained that she was looking for a "fun factor" in the winner.

Winners of the float contest were Capeless Elementary (Haunted Halloween, Allendale Elementary School (Coco!), and RSI Signs (Ghostbusters.)

The parade ran from the intersection of Tyler Street to the roundabout. Superintendent of Schools Joseph Curtis and Ellen Spear hosted Pittsfield Community Television's coverage of the event from the site of the former Hess Station.

Trick-or-treat is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. rain or shine. Participants are asked to leave their porch or exterior light on.


Tags: Halloween,   parade,   

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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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