Crane Fund Donates to Local Oranizations

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DALTON, Mass. — The Crane Fund for Widows and Children has donated funding to 92 organizations around the globe, some in Berkshire County. 
 
Crane Currency associates nominated 36 organization, all of which received funding to bolster their services. 
 
These organizations include Berkshire Arts & Technology Charter Public School, Berkshire County Head Start, Berkshire Workforce Board, South Community Food Pantry, Hinsdale Food Pantry, Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, Elder Services of Berkshire County, and more. 
 
The nominations from the associates showcases the collaborative spirit of the Dalton community, a commitment that has helped the organizations become better equipped to fulfill its missions, according to a statement from the fund.
 
"Because of [the fund,] lives are being transformed. [Its] generosity has touched the hearts of the 15,000 people we serve each year — offering hope where there was despair, resources where there was need, and love where there was loneliness. We truly couldn’t do this without [it]," said Katelynn Miner, the founder and executive assistant of the Berkshire Dream Center, as quoted in the press release.
 
The Crane Fund for Widows and Children has long been a pillar of support for the community, providing essential resources to organizations that make a significant impact on the lives of many, the press release states. 
 
The fund is one Crane Currency's, now CraneNXT, three charitable funds. The other two are the Crane Fund, established in 1914, and Crane Foundation, created in 1951. More information here.
 
The Crane Fund for Widows and Children makes contributions to charitable non-profit
organizations that provide direct help to underserved populations in the communities where Crane NXT works or where its associates have a direct connection.
 
Crane NXT has a location in Dalton, which focuses on authentication, security, and detection.
 
Fund officials say it touches the lives of many through its efforts to support issues around food insecurity, affordable housing, education, health, environmental protection, animal welfare, and many other worthy causes.

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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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