Springfield Diocese Names New Assistant Director of Development

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Christine Peyman
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Wilbraham resident Christine Peyman has been named the new assistant director of development for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield. 
 
Peyman, who began working with the diocese in 2023 as a member of the Beacon of Faith capital campaign team, will now take on expanding the diocese's goal to advance its mission through fundraising, donor engagement, and stewardship.
 
She will continue to oversee the Beacon of Faith campaign, as well as partner with the Catholic Communications office staff to oversee the Annual Catholic Appeal, which distributes funds to 48 ministries and agencies.
 
Born and raised in Western Massachusetts, she attended the former Our Lady of Hope School in Springfield and graduated from St. Mary's High School in Westfield. She currently lives in Wilbraham with her husband, Jeff, and their daughter, Abby. The family attends St. Cecilia Parish in Wilbraham.
 
"When I was working with many parishes as a campaign director, I had the ability to learn more about how our parishes operate. My goal is to continue working with our parishes and maintain, as well as strengthen these relationships," Peyman said. "We are all the diocese. We are all Catholics and it is important to be committed to our faith and to follow Jesus' word."
 
The Very Rev. Christopher Malatesta, the new vicar general of the Diocese of Springfield, will serve as
interim development director. He served as pastor of St. Agnes' Church in Dalton for 23 years before his recent assignment. 

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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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