Willa Cather Subject of Upcoming Course at BCC

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Berkshire Community College (BCC) will present "Willa Cather's America: Life, Letters, and Literature," single-session course, on Friday, Nov. 14 from 9:30-11 a.m. 
 
The session, instructed by Peter Cipkowski, will be held in person at BCC's main campus, located at 1350 West Street, Pittsfield. 
 
Admission is $10 for OLLI at BCC members and $15 for the general public. Admission is free for students, staff and faculty of BCC, MCLA and Williams College; youth ages 17 and under; and those holding WIC, EBT/SNAP or ConnectorCare cards. To register for the event, visit https://berkshireolli.org/event-6354850
 
According to a press release:
 
The course offers a compelling blend of literary lecture and dramatic readings in celebration of the sesquicentennial of Willa Cather (1873–1947), one of the most distinctive and enduring voices in 20th century American literature. Participants will explore Cather's life, themes and artistry while hearing her words vividly brought to life. 
 
A peer of Wharton, Fitzgerald, Faulkner and Hemingway, Cather charted her own path through determination and struggle. Her groundbreaking novels — including "O Pioneers!," "My Ántonia," "One of Ours," "The Professor's House" and "Death Comes for the Archbishop" — helped shape the American canon. This program explores Cather's turbulent life, her uniquely American voice and her continued relevance today, interwoven with dramatic readings of her works performed by local actors. 
 
Peter Cipkowski is a literary historian with interdisciplinary research interests in early 20th century American literature, civic engagement and global education. He also serves as the incoming president of the National Willa Cather Center Board of Governors. Cipkowski received his doctorate from the University of Southern California and teaches at UCLA. He divides his time between Hillsdale, NY and Los Angeles. 

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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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