UMass Coach Leading Youth Basketball Clinic

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires welcomes Frank Martin, head coach for the men's basketball team at the University of Massachusetts, and his staff and players for a free clinic. 
 
The youth basketball clinic will be held on Thursday, July 24, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the club's gymnasium, located at 16 Melville St.
 
This one-day clinic is open to any boy or girl in Berkshire County who will be entering Grades 3 through 7 in September. No club membership is required to participate, but registration is limited to 70 and is required in advance at www.bgcberkshires.org.
 
Participants will have a unique opportunity to learn directly from coach Martin — described as one of college basketball's most respected leaders — alongside his Division I staff and athletes. The clinic will focus on basketball fundamentals, skill development, and having fun through the game.
 
"This is an incredible chance for local kids to learn from the best and be inspired by high-level coaches and student-athletes," said Joseph McGovern, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires. "We're honored to host Coach Martin and his team, and grateful for their commitment to youth and community engagement."
 
Register at www.bgcberkshires.org or call 413-448-8258, Ext. 28, for more information. 

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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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