Berkshire Athenaeum Hosts an Early Literacy Event

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum and Pittsfield Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE), based out of Berkshire County Head Start, invite children ages 6 and under and their families to a free early literacy event celebrating the children's book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. 
 
The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, from 10:30 am to noon in the auditorium of the Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library located at 1 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201.
 
This event aims to engage young learners and their families through a variety of fun, STEAM- based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities. Attendees can look forward to a special storytime reading of the book and hands-on activity stations designed to explore themes from the story.
 
"We are so excited to bring this classic book to life for our community's youngest readers," said Sara Russell-Scholl, Youth Services Supervisor. "This event provides a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy a morning of literacy and play together. The STEAM activities and a visit from 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' himself will help inspire a love for reading and learning."
 
Activities will include:
  • Storytime: A dynamic reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
  • Activity Stations: Interactive inspired by Eric Carle's book's.
  • Character Meet & Greet: A chance to meet and take pictures with The Very Hungry Caterpillar character.
  • Book Giveaway: Every family will receive a free book to take home while supplies last.
This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Families are encouraged to attend and discover the joys of reading and early learning.
 
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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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