St. Joseph's Polish Picnic Returns

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The St. Joseph's Polish Picnic returns to the grounds of St. Joseph's Church at 414 North Street on Sunday, July 20, continuing a 60-year tradition. 
 
The Polish Picnic is one of the last ethnic festivals in the Berkshires, and the event is expected to draw several thousand people. The picnic has free admission and is open to the public.
 
A highlight of the Polish Picnic is the homemade Polish food prepared by St. Joseph's parishioners. The food includes Pierogi, Kapusta, Golumbki, and Kielbasa. American food and adult beverages will also be available for purchase.
 
Entertainment, consisting of Polish music, will once again be provided by the popular Eddie Forman Orchestra beginning at 1 pm.
 
An outdoor Polish Mass will kick off the festivities at 11 am. The Polish Picnic will be from noon to 5 pm. KiddyLand will provide games and activities for children. Raffles will also be available for adults.
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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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