Berkshire County Kids' Place Annual Jimmy Bernardo Memorial Motorcycle Ride

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire County Kids' Place and Violence Prevention Center, Inc., invites the community to join us for the 30th Annual Jimmy's Ride on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025.

This tradition honors the life of Jimmy Bernardo and raises essential funds to help children and families heal from abuse and violence.

The ride begins at Berkshire County Kids' Place, 63 Wendell Ave in Pittsfield, with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. and kickstands up at 11:00 a.m. Riders will travel a scenic 90-minute route through Berkshire County, ending at the Tavern at the A 303 Crane Ave in Pittsfield for the After Party, which starts at noon.

The After Party is open to the public and welcomes everyone, whether you ride or just come to celebrate. Enjoy food, raffles (for purchase), and music.

In addition to supporting child abuse prevention and healing services, this year's event highlights a growing concern: online child safety. Attendees receive free internet safety resource bags, filled with age-appropriate materials. While supplies last.

"For 30 years, Jimmy's Ride has stood for protecting children and creating a safer community," said Mary, Ron, and Rob Bernardo. "This year, we're proud to honor that legacy by expanding the mission to include online safety, because today, protecting kids doesn't end at the front door. It also means safeguarding them on every screen and device they use."

The event honors the life of Jimmy Bernardo, a Pittsfield native who tragically died in 1990. For 30 years, Jimmy's family, friends, and the broader community have come together in his memory to support the work of Berkshire County Kids' Place, the region's fully accredited Children's Advocacy Center, serving families from Berkshire County.

All proceeds from Jimmy's Ride support Kids' Place programs, providing free, specialized services to children and families impacted by neglect, abuse, exploitation, and domestic violence.

 

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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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