Bingo for Books at Wander

03:05PM / Tuesday, August 04, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — As summer winds down and families prepare to head back to school, Drag Story Hour Berkshires is offering one last afternoon of summer fun with Bingo For Books, a family-friendly fundraiser taking place Saturday, Aug. 22, from noon to 2 at Wander Berkshires.

The event will feature four rounds of bingo hosted by some of the Berkshires' favorite storytellers: Poppy DaBubbly, Bella Santarella, Vuronika Baked, Sativo Green, and Hairy Debbie. Expect fun bingo calls, stories, laughter for families and book lovers of all ages.

A bingo card covering all four games costs $5, and guests can purchase as many cards as they can bingo. Prizes will include books signed by local authors and acclaimed, nationally recognized writers, along with school supplies and backpacks to help families get ready for the new school year.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet local authors. Indie Readery & Records will have a pop-up market featuring books and more for attendees to browse and shop. The afternoon will culminate in a mini dance party.

All proceeds benefit the ongoing work of Drag Story Hour Berkshires, supporting inclusive, literacy-focused programming that brings families together through the joy of books, storytelling, and community.

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Peace Officer Standards Commission Strips Former Pittsfield Cop of Certification

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:52PM / Tuesday, August 25, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A former Pittsfield Police officer was one of five statewide who recently had their licenses revoked by the POST Commission.

Last week, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission voted to strip five former officers of their licenses to work in law enforcement, including former PPD officer William Straub.

The commission had determined that these workers were unfit to carry a badge and gun in Massachusetts; so far, 92 state police officers have been decertified by the commission.

Records indicate that Straub faced charges tied to a 2024 incident, but details are redacted. On Oct. 31, 2024, the POST Commission suspended Straub's law enforcement certification, and he resigned from PPD in April.

"According to Pittsfield District Court records, Straub pleaded guilty in April to two counts of misdemeanor assault and battery tied to a 2024 incident," MassLive wrote on Monday.

"Three other charges, including drunk driving and carrying a firearm while intoxicated, were continued without a finding. While that resolution allows the charges to be dismissed after a period of time if Straub abides by certain conditions, the commission treats them as a criminal conviction."

According to records, he was certified as a police officer in July of 2021, and recertified in July 2024.

"The Respondent's appointing agency, the Pittsfield Police Department ("PPD"), submitted a final report to the Commission finding that the Respondent had engaged in criminal conduct and conduct unbecoming [of] an officer," the Aug. 20 final decision to decertify reads.

"The Respondent resigned from PPD on April 9, 2026, prior to the imposition of any discipline."

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