Berkshire Athenaeum to Hold Computer Recycling Event for Earth Day

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's public library, will host a computer recycling collection in partnership with Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont from Tuesday, April 22, through Saturday, April 26, 2025, in observance of Earth Day.
 
The collection is facilitated through a collaboration with the Dell-Reconnect residential recycling program. Accepted items include monitors, scanners, computer mice, printers, keyboards, laptop batteries, ink and toner cartridges, computers, hard drives, speakers, cords, and cables. Television sets will not be accepted.
 
According to data provided by Maryam Kamangar, Goodwill's vice president of executive affairs and territory expansion, the Dell-Reconnect partnership with four Berkshire County Goodwill Stores has recycled 213,801 pounds of computer equipment between July 2018 and June 2024.
 
Olivia Bowers, adult services and programming supervisor at Berkshire Athenaeum, stated that the library is pleased to partner with Goodwill for this annual collection, noting its contribution to community engagement and environmental protection in recognition of Earth Day.
 
Recyclable items can be dropped off in designated bins during regular library hours. Individuals recycling computers and hard drives are advised to remove all personal data, as neither Dell nor the Berkshire Athenaeum assumes responsibility for data removal or protection.
 
Established in 2004, the Dell-Reconnect program involves trained staff in 44 states who sort and process collected equipment for recycling by Dell. Revenue generated from the program supports Goodwill's employment placement and job training services.
 
For additional information regarding the recycling event, the public can call 413-499-9480 or email info@pittsfieldlibrary.org.
 
 

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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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