Graphic Novelist James Spooner to Speak at BCC

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will host graphic novelist, filmmaker, and tattoo artist James Spooner for a free talk on Wednesday, April 30, at 2 p.m.

The event, titled "The Ripple Effect Is Wild: How Small Projects Can Have Huge Unexpected Impacts," will be held in the Connector on BCC's main campus at 1350 West Street.

Spooner's presentation will focus on the value of community engagement over social media metrics.

His debut graphic novel, "The High Desert," was recognized as a top book of 2022 by Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post, and The New York Public Library. He also co-edited "Black Punk Now," an anthology of Black punk writers and comic creators, which received accolades from Pitchfork and The Guardian and a Kirkus star. His second memoir is scheduled for publication later this year.

Spooner directed the documentary Afro-Punk and co-founded the Afro Punk Festival. He continues to present screenings of Afro-Punk and give talks on punk culture, comics, and Black identity.

 


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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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