BArT Charter Public School To Host Annual Get BArT Smart Fundraiser

Get BART Smart features a trivia experience; individuals, duos, and teams of up to 6 will travel from classroom to classroom throughout the evening for trivia and team projects served up by BArT educators.

"Get BART Smart is all about bringing people together," said Jonathan Igoe, BArT's Executive Director. "For 19 years, this event has delivered a fun-filled evening of trivia, food and drinks, and community connection. Whether you're coming with friends or looking to meet new people from around the region, we'd love to see you there."

This event is the primary fundraiser for the School, the proceeds of which directly benefit student programming. The School also invites companies to sponsor this well-established and well-attended event.

"There is a lot to be excited about with this year's program," said Leah Thompson, Director of Advancement at BArT. "The support of this event by our community is amazing!"

This event is open to everyone 18 and above. Tickets are $75 each and include food, drinks, and entertainment. For more information, visit https://www.bartcharter.org/apps/pages/GetBARTSmart and register to play today. You can also contact Leah Thompson at leah.thompson@bartcharter.org with sponsorship inquiries or questions in general.

Cheshire Hires Adams Officer as New Police Chief

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
06:00PM / Friday, August 21, 2026

Matthew Wright shakes hands with board members and Town Administrator Jennifer Morse on Friday after being offered the post. 

CHESHIRE, Mass. — Adams Police Sgt. Matthew Wright has been tapped as Cheshire's next police chief. 

 

The four present board members unanimously voted to hire him after an interview on Friday afternoon held during a special Selectmen's meeting. 

 

Wright was the only finalist for a police chief search that lasted several months. The only public who attended, other than iBerkshires, was interim Police Chief Timothy Garner and Wright's wife. 

 

The board will meet in executive session with Wright for contract negotiations then set an open session to establish a start date. 

 

Board member Scott McWhirt recused himself from the interview as he had worked with Wright in the Adams Police Department prior to his retirement in 2016.

 

Wright highlighted his deep roots in Cheshire, where he was born and raised, being a Hoosac Valley High School graduate and earning an associate degree in criminal justice from Berkshire Community College and later a bachelor's from Westfield State University.

 

Now, he is raising his own family in town, following in his father's footsteps by giving back to the community by being a volunteer coach and participates in local festivities.