BCC Announces the Return of the Chorale

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced the return of the BCC Chorale, led by Professor of Music Ellen Shanahan. 
 
The Chorale had been discontinued a few years ago when the College consolidated its for-credit jazz and choral ensembles into a single group. 
 
Now, thanks to renewed interest from students and community members, Professor Shanahan is bringing the Chorale back in a new form — as a non-credit, volunteer group open to BCC students, alumni, staff, and members of the broader community. 
 
"I am resurrecting the BCC Chorale, which was a staple on campus for decades," said Shanahan. "I have since heard that new students coming to campus have been inquiring about a choral group with which to sing. I am planning to restart it as a volunteer group
that is open to students, alums, staff and members of the community — it will be non-credit and no fees." 
 
The Chorale will rehearse on Thursdays from 2–3 p.m. in room K111 on the BCC campus. The first rehearsal will take place on Thursday, September 4, 2025. 
 
Participation is open to all, and no prior experience is required. For more information, please contact the BCC Music Department at eshanahan@berkshirecc.edu.
  

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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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