Zonta Club to Honor Five Local Leaders for International Women's Day

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Zonta Club of Berkshire County will host its fourth annual International Women's Day celebration on Friday, March 6, at the Berkshire Hills Country Club. 
 
The event aims to recognize local women who have made significant contributions to advancing the status of women and girls.
 
This year's honorees represent a diverse cross-section of leadership in advocacy, education, and international relations:
  • Divya Chaturvedi (Elizabeth Freeman Center)
  • Lorena Dus (Berkshire Immigrant Center)
  • Shela Levante (Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts)
  • Brenda Oppermann (U.S. Naval War College)
  • Maria Rundle (Flying Cloud Institute)
 
Since the inception of the annual award in 2023, the Zonta Club has recognized a total of 17 women for their professional and volunteer efforts within the community.
 
The evening's itinerary begins with networking and dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by the formal recognition program at 7:15 p.m.
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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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