Taconic High Station to Broadcast Colonials Games

By Larry KratkaBerkshire News Network
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Taconic senior Billy Madewell, WBTR's program director, will be a color commentator for the Colonials this summer.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Colonials will be on the air as they return for a second season at historic Wahconah Park with the help of some Taconic High broadcasters.

The Pittsfield School Committee on Wednesday approved an educational partnership between the Pittsfield School System and the Canadian-American League team that will enable the team's home games to be broadcast on Taconic High School's FM radio station, 89.7 WTBR. 

Buddy Lewis, co-owner of the Pittsfield Colonials, told the School Committee that WTBR will broadcast 51 of the 54 home games from Wahconah Park and possibly some away games as well. Lewis also said two WTBR students would be hired by the Colonials as student interns — one to do the PA announcing and another to work with Colonials play-by-play announcer, Chad Cooper, as color commentator. 

WTBR student adviser Larry Kratka, morning news host for Vox Communications stations in the Berkshires, said he was most happy about the two students landing summer jobs. 


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"Billy Madewell is the current student program director and he hopes to pursue sports communications at MCLA in the fall," said Kratka, adding Madewell considers this a dream job.

The student-run radio station offers more than 80 hours of programming a week and has some three dozen students and more than a dozen adults working to keep the signal going. The 89.7 WTBR-FM 400-watt signal is quite powerful and can be heard all the way to Cheshire to the north, New Lebanon, N.Y., to the west and Lee to the south. WTBR also streams live on the Internet. 

Lewis said a press conference will be held next week to release more details of the partnership.
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Weekend Outlook: Carnival & Free Fishing Weekend

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening this weekend including free fishing this weekend courtesy of the state, First Fridays, carnival, and more.

Editor's Pick

Lego Flag Build
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 10:30 a.m.

Help the library build a giant Lego American flag to be showcased at the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. All ages are welcome to participate and there will be snacks included.

More information here.

First Fridays

First Friday at Five
Downtown Pittsfield
Time: 5 p.m.

Downtown Pittsfield will be alive with activities, including a maker's market and family fun zone on North Street, live music at Persip Park, a dance zone at Dunham Mall, an art walk, and more. 

More information here.

North Adams First Friday
Downtown North Adams
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.

Music, art, and games will fill downtown North Adams for its First Friday event, themed "Celebrate Pride!" 

There will be games, art, special events, and downtown and businesses will have extended hours.

More information here.

Multiple Days

Dalton Carnival
June 3 through 7
Behind the American Legion on Route 9

Enjoy rides, games, food and more. Fireworks will be held Friday and Saturday at dusk.

More information here.

Friday

Switch and Snacks: Teen Programming
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Nintendo Switch at the library will be available to play a variety of games for kids to enjoy with free snacks.

More information here.

Common Craft Night
165 East Main St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Bring a craft you have been working on and join others to socialize.

More information here.

Friday Karaoke
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 p.m.

More information here.

Saturday 

National Trails Day

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