Downing Appointed Honorary Chair of Mass College Democrats

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Senator Benjamin B. Downing
BOSTON — The College Democrats of Massachusetts have appointed state Senator Benjamin B. Downing, D- Pittsfield as Honorary Chairman.

The College Democrats of Massachusetts are the official college outreach wing of the Massachusetts Democratic Party and a branch of the College Democrats of America. Their goal is to advocate for college students living in Massachusetts and for pro-student policies and legislation in the Commonwealth. The College Democrats of Massachusetts are committed to electing strong, progressive democrats to office across the state. Twenty active chapters operate statewide.

Downing, a Pittsfield native and alumni of Providence College and Tufts University’s Department of Urban and Environment Policy and Planning, is serving his second term as senator from the Berkshire, Hampshire and Franklin District. Downing plays an active role in the Massachusetts Democratic Party, focusing on increased youth participation as the co-chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party Youth Services Committee.

"We appointed Senator Downing to our Honorary Chair position because of the advocacy, integrity and humility he has shown in office,” said President Pat Johnson. "Ben Downing is someone we all want to emulate as young people in politics, and because of the values he holds we find it fitting that he fills this seat which was for many years held by the late U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy."

"Being appointed to a role previously filled by Senator Kennedy is an extreme honor,” said Downing. "The College Democrats of Massachusetts play a vital role in getting young voters active in politics. It is never too early to start advocating for what you believe in, and for this reason I am proud to serve as Honorary Chair and help this organization fulfill its stated mission."

The College Democrats of Massachusetts is now planning its 2010 Convention, to be held April 9-11th at Smith College in Northampton. Visit www.macollegedems.org for more details.
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Weekend Outlook: Juneteenth and Pride Celebration

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening this weekend including parades, parties and celebrations.

Editor's Choices

10th Annual Berkshire Pride Festival and Parade
The Common Park, Pittsfield
Time: Saturday, 11 a.m.

The 10th annual pride parade and festival with fun games, performances, food, and more.

More information here.

Berkshire Mountain Faerie Festival
Bowe Field, Adams
Time: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Visit the faerie realm in the Berkshires with food, music, activities, dancing and more. Tickets are sold at the gate for $12 and $5 for kids 12 and under.

More information here.

Juneteenth Celebration
Durant Park, Pittsfield
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

March to the park starts at City Hall, followed by music, dance, food, history and more hosted by NAACP Berkshires. The event is free and open to everyone.

Find a full schedule of the day's events here.

Friday 

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

Teens are invited to bring their Nintendo Switches; there also will be multiple games and snacks for kids to enjoy and have fun.

More information here.

Common Craft Night
165 East Main St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Bring your craft and work with other people that might be doing the same thing as you.

More information here.

Friday Karaoke 
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 to 11 p.m.

Belt out some of your favorite tunes and show off your voice.

More information here.

Wine Parlor & Bites
Revival House, Adams
Time: 5:30 to 9 p.m.
 
The Revival House on Commercial Street is hosting chef Xavier Jones for a popup restaurant on Fridays and Saturdays in June. Limited menu; $5 reservation includes beverage. 
 
More information here

Saturday 

UNO Block Party
UNO Community Center, North Adams
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.

The annual neighborhood block party features music, games, food, and more activities to enjoy.

More information here.

Stacy Schiff on Samuel Adams
Adams Theater, Park Street
Time: 4 p.m.
 
In conversation with Sara Houghteling, Pulitzer Prize-winner Stacy Schiff will explore the origins of the American Revolution as detailed in her latest work, "The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams," for whom the town is named. Schiff is an Adams native and Williams College graduate. 
 
Tickets and more information here

Scenic Summer Tours
Mount Greylock, Adams
Time: 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Enjoy a free tour with a park interpreter to learn about Mount Greylock's history and more that make the Summit popular.

More information here.

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