Dueling Pianos Fundraiser to Support Pediatric Development Center

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pediatric Development Center (PDC) will host a Dueling Pianos Fundraiser to raise money for programs that support more than 700 families across South and Central Berkshire County.
 
The event features the high-energy entertainment of Howl2Go. Two pianists will take the stage to play crowd favorites, take song requests.
 
Guests will enjoy complimentary appetizers, a 50/50 raffle, and a mystery bag pull, where $20 gets you a bottle of wine or gift card valued at $20 or more.
 
"All of the funds raised help us continue providing free Early Intervention services to local families," said Kate Tucci, executive director of PDC. "Our work ensures that babies and toddlers with developmental needs get the support they deserve right here in their own community."
 
PDC is the only organization in South and Central Berkshire County providing Early Intervention services for children from birth to age three. The team of developmental specialists, therapists, and social workers partners with families to help children reach important milestones through play-based learning and family-centered care all at no cost to families.
 
The Dueling Pianos Fundraiser will take place on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6 pm at the Berkshire Hills Country Club, 500 Benedict Road (doors open at 5:30 pm). Tickets are $40 per person or $400 for a table of 8 (table of 8 includes a complimentary drink).
 
To learn more or purchase tickets, visit www.pediatricdevelopmentcenter.org.
 
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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