MountainOne Participates in Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity's Women Build

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — An all-female team of Mountaineers from MountainOne supported Women Build, a volunteer initiative led by Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity. 
 
The program empowers women to take an active role in construction while advancing the mission of affordable housing in the Berkshires.
 
MountainOne sponsored the event and contributed a hands-on team effort in Pittsfield, where two new condominium units are taking shape. The all-women crew from MountainOne included Julie Rider, Shannon Dozier, Stacy Roman, Debra Bishop, Brenda Petell, Heidi Gingras, Jeanne Zatorski, Jennifer Smith, Samantha Leskovitz, and Renae Gamari.
 
Together, the group helped install decking and siding on the homes. The day's work not only strengthened the local housing landscape but also reinforced MountainOne's ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities it serves, stated a press release.
 
Brenda Petell, MountainOne's Community Engagement Officer and a Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity board member, reflected on the experience:
 
"Today was about showing up and working side by side to help create something lasting for families in our community. It's powerful to be part of a team that not only supports this work financially but also shows up to do the work together. I'm proud to be a part of both organizations."
 
 

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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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