The OLLI Players to Present Two One-Act Readings

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Berkshire Community College (BCC) announced a special theatrical event: a staged reading of two one-act plays, Mum Bett's Minute and The Loyalist, on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at BCC.
 
The event is free and open to the public.
 
This presentation is part of OLLI's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, exploring stories of identity, freedom, and loyalty during that formative period. Following the performances, a panel of scholars and community voices will engage the audience in a discussion.
About the Performances
  • Mum Bett's Minute centers on Mum Bett (Elizabeth Freeman), who, after winning her 1781 freedom suit, reflects on whether the ideals of the Declaration of Independence apply to someone formerly enslaved.
  • The Loyalist takes place with Flora MacDonald, the Scottish heroine who aided Bonnie Prince Charlie, who has relocated to North Carolina and faces a dilemma: will she side with the Revolution or remain loyal to the Crown?
The cast includes Kim Wafer, Robin Nardi, Mike Pepino, Peter Podol, Alice Roth, Amanda Schenker, Lisken Van Pelt Dus, and Neil Berman. Alice Roth serves as stage manager, with music by Brian Hailes. Panelists for the post-performance discussion include Katherine Kidd, Leyn Burrows, and Michael Forbes Wilcox.
 
This event is supported by the Michael and Nancy Vale Performing Arts Fund, established by a bequest to support theatrical programming at OLLI.
 
For more information, go to: https://berkshireolli.org/event-6367872

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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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