Flying Cloud Brings Free Science and Art Event to the BIC

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Flying Cloud Institute (FCI) will lead a free, hands-on science and art community event for students in grades K-8 and their families at the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

This is the sixth STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Challenge Night led by FCI, with support from the Berkshire STEM Pipeline and the BIC. The event coincides with Massachusetts' 8th Annual STEM Week to boost students' interest in STEM fields and is part of the MA Lights On After School celebration. 

"Flying Cloud Institute invites local families to celebrate creativity and innovation with us. It will be so much fun and family members can really get into the hands-on activities, too!" said FCI Executive Director Maria Rundle. 

Students and their families will spend the evening problem-solving together in ways that involve exploring, tinkering, and creating. In addition to creative science and art projects with Flying Cloud educators, several local experts and organizations will participate. Staff members from Berkshire Museum will explore how a physics zipline works, while BeatNest School demonstrates electro music stations and Berkshire Design presents a design challenge. Participants will explore 3-D scanning and printing with Berkshire Innovation Center representatives and Bottomless Bricks will help students design and build using LEGO elements. Staff from Berkshire Art Center, Greenagers, Hancock Shaker Village, Mass Audubon, and Latinas413 will also be leading kid-centered challenge activities.

Complimentary refreshments will be served. Families are encouraged to register online at flyingcloudinstitute.org but it is not required for this free event. 

This event is made possible through contributions by Adirondack Payroll Services, Associated Lightning Rod, Berkshire Design Inc., Berkshire Money Management, Blue Q, Elyse Harney Real Estate, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Guido's Fresh Marketplace, Herrington's, Interprint USA, J Kuhn Copper, Lee Bank, Onyx Specialty Papers, Warrior Trading and Webster Landscape, Inc. If you want to be a community sponsor or donate items to the event, please contact Amy Truax, Development Manager, at (413) 645-3058 or visit flyingcloudinstitute.org for the sign-up form.

 

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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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