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Andrew Garcia at his store Berkshirecat Records. He's organizing his fourth record show at the Stationery Factory on Sunday.

Central Berkshire Record Show Spins Back on May 4

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
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DALTON, Mass. — The Central Berkshire Record Show is returning on Sunday, May 4, for its fourth consecutive year. 

Hours are 10 to 4 at The Stationery Factory with VIP entry beginning at 8:30. 

This popular event has attracted music and vinyl record enthusiasts from all over the Northeast, with previous shows drawing in large crowds of music lovers looking for records, CDs and more. Food and drink including craft beverages will be available on site from Shire Tavern.

"People should think of it like a craft fair except that the vendors are all selling records, CDs, or music paraphernalia," organizer Andrew Garcia said.

Garcia, owner of Berkshirecat Records, is looking forward to this year's event and has been pleased with the growth each year.  

"We're creating a space where vinyl collectors of all ages can connect each year, share their love of music, and potentially discover new music. The vendors and DJs are top-notch and we're grateful that the Shire Tavern led by Matt Mottor and his team will be serving up food and drinks downstairs," he said in a press release.

Garcia modeled the annual event after the Northampton record show.

"It's one of the biggest in the area but it's in Pioneer Valley not in Berkshire County, so there wasn't really anything here in Berkshire County of that scale," he said. "So the goal was to start something and build it over time."

A lineup of DJs will spin music throughout the day. They include Pup Daddy Productions (Tim Dupree), DJ Ketchabone (Michael Keleher), Wes Nelson of Belltower Records, Ed Martuscello, and Ed Pelkey.

"The Central Berkshire Record Show really was an 'if you build it they will come' venture. It's always fun watching the community come together for a common purpose- the pursuit of music," Garcia said in an email. "While I organize and produce the show, it really is a team effort. Without all of the excellent vendors, DJs and the Shire Tavern, the show wouldn't be as successful."

The Stationery Factory is located at 63 Flansburg Ave. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $4, with VIP entry for $10 beginning at 8:30 a.m.

For more information, visit the Central Berkshire Record Show's Facebook page.


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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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