Brazilian Day Celebration in Pittsfield

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Brazzucas Brazilian Market, Espetinho Carioca, and MassDevelopment's Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Partners are thrilled to announce the first-ever Brazilian Day Celebration in Downtown Pittsfield. 
 
This event will honor Brazilian culture and Brazilian Independence Day on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, from 2-9 PM.
 
The event kicks off at 2 PM at Brazzucas Brazilian Market (75 North Street) with a performance by Marcelo Santos. The main event begins at 5 PM at the intersection of Market Street and North Street, featuring The Berkshire Bateria, and Berkshire Brazil. The evening will conclude with a set by Quarteto de Samba from 7-9 PM at Espetinho Carioca (48 B North Street). Hot Plate Brewing will also be serving beverages outside from 5-7 PM.
 
Event Highlights:
 
? The Berkshire Bateria: A dynamic troupe of musicians performing samba rhythms on traditional Brazilian percussion instruments.
 
? Berkshire Brazil: A Sa?o Paulo native, Luana Dias David has performed worldwide and brings a blend of Salsa, Samba, Capoeira, and Classic Ballet to the stage.
 
? Quarteto de Samba: Founded by Brazilian musician Tarcisio Ramos (Taz), this group features Bossa Nova, Jazz, Choro, and Samba, with performances by talented artists including Sam Stouffer, Jean-Gathright, and Henry Davidson.
 
? Marcelo Santos Music
 
Berkshire County's Brazilian and Latin American immigrant population is growing, and this event aims to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing vibrant music, dance, and food with the community. It also seeks to foster a sense of belonging and create opportunities for new Brazilian businesses and artists.
 
This celebration is part of MassDevelopment's TDI initiative to revitalize North Street by promoting cultural and economic growth in Gateway Cities. 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Former Adams Police Chief Facing Fraud Charges

Staff Reports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The former chief of police in Adams was indicted Tuesday on fraud charges by a Berkshire County grand jury. He is accused of taking nearly $20,000 in overtime funds he didn't earn.
 
Kevin Scott Kelley, aka K. Scott Kelley, 46, was relieved of duty in September and placed on a paid leave of absence until December. Adams town officials declined to say if he was fired or resigned at that time. 
 
He is accused of submitting fraudulent reimbursement claims under a municipal traffic enforcement grant administered by the Office of Grants and Research in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, according to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office. 
 
The alleged conduct began in or about January 2024 and continued through at least January 2025 and was reported by officers under Kelley's command.
 
The members of the Adams Police Department identified discrepancies in the reimbursement submissions and gathered evidence indicative of fraudulent activity. They subsequently requested assistance from the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit and the DA's Office. 
 
Based on the materials initially collected by Adams Police, State Police conducted a formal investigation, which concluded that the defendant submitted and received $19,123.15 in overtime compensation for dates on which he either absent from work or performed duties not consistent with the requirements of the grant program.
 
Kelley was sworn in on January 2021 to replace the retired Chief Richard Tarsa. He came with more than 25 years experience in law enforcement, most recently as police chief for Spartanburg (S.C.) Community College.
 
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