PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- Westside Legends will host its fourth annual Westside Sweet G Super Soap Box Derby on Saturday, Aug. 9, from noon to 4 p.m. with a rain date of Aug. 10.
Check-in for racers starts at 11 a.m. at the corner of Columbus Avenue and Robbins Avenue.
The event features a day of activities for the whole family.
There will be three race classes: kids from 6-12, kids from 13-17, and an adult class, ages 18 and older. Trophies will be presented in each division.
The racers will “zoom” down Robbins Avenue, and the finish line will be at Southern Avenue.
Inspired by soap box races in Pittsfield’s West Side during the 1960s, the Westside Super Soap Box Derby was developed by the leaders of Westside Legends, who have fond memories of racing down Columbus Avenue and West Street – and are excited to bring a fun event back to the community.
This year’s race will feature cars built by kids who participated in Pittsfield’s Summer Playground Programs at Durant Park, Clapp Park, and the Common.
The race is dedicated to community member Brian “Sweet G” Goines, who died in 2020. Brian’s brother Kirt Goines races in his brother’s memory each year.
For this event Westside Legends is excited to partner with entities like the Berkshire Environmental Action Team, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Blue Q, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, Green Energy Consumer Alliance, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Interprint, Mill Town Foundation, PCTV, Premium Waters and TDI-MassDevelopment.
Come have fun and meet the neighbors. While you are there, please enjoy the food by Grampie’s Hot Dog Stand, Officer Darren Derby’s “Operation Copsicle”, and Cravin’s Ice Cream. Green Energy Consumers Alliance will have several electric vehicles on display.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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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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