Reader Leaders at the Berkshire Athenaeum

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum announced another session of the Reader Leaders program, a unique reading-aloud event aimed at fostering a love of reading for youth in kindergarten through third grade. 
 
The next program will take place on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at 3:45 p.m. and offers a special opportunity for young readers to practice their reading skills in a judgment-free, encouraging space. Additional sessions will take place on Friday, March 21, 2025 and Friday, April 11, 2025.
 
The Reader Leaders program pairs young readers with teen volunteers who will guide them through reading aloud, be it reading solo, being read to, or reading together. The 20-minute sessions are designed to build confidence and inspire a lifelong love of reading. In addition to the reading time, participants will also enjoy snacks and a small craft activity.
 
"This program is a wonderful way for the youth in our community to support one another," said Sara Russell-Scholl, youth services supervisor. "It allows teens to engage in a meaningful way by encouraging younger readers while helping them develop literacy skills. It’s also a fun and interactive opportunity for all involved."
 
The program is open to readers aged 5–8, and siblings are welcome to attend. Due to limited space, participants are encouraged to arrive promptly.

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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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