Herald Puts Downing at Top of Class in Social Media

Staff ReportsiBerkshires
09:19PM / Monday, October 31, 2011Print Story | Email Story

Sen. Benjamin Downing at the computer. Find him online at:
www.bendowning.org/
@BenjaminDowning
Facebook

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Our state senator got an A for achievement in social media from the Boston Herald on Monday.

The Herald graded some of the political users of social media and state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing of Pittsfield was at the top of the pack with an A-minus.

He tied with Boston District 7 City Councilor Tito Jackson (no, not that Tito Jackson) and U.S. Sen. Scott Brown, who was cited for his very interactive Twitter feed. (Follow him at @USSenScottBrown)

On the other hand, Gov. Deval Patrick (@MassGovernor) and senator-wannabe Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) got Cs for their very press releasey interactions.

We already knew our state senator was plugged in — he's the most Facebookin', emailin', tweetin' solon in Western Mass. But what pushed him to the top of the class? According to the Herald, it was his partnering with, ahem, iBerkshires.com in promoting his recent livestreaming Q&A.

So great job Sen. Downing! Though we are wondering, why only an A-minus? Get tweeting!!!

Tags: Internet, social media,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

RIBCO Supply

Check out our great lineup of Boss Plows, and spreaders. 2 Locations Clarksburg & Pittsfield!

ribcosupply.com

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Affordable Housing Initiatives Shine Light, Hope

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
07:08AM / Saturday, December 20, 2025

Housing Secretary Edward Augustus cuts the ribbon at The First on Thursday with housing officials and Mayor Peter Marchetti, state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The holidays are here and several community members are celebrating it with the opening of two affordable housing initiatives.

"This is a day to celebrate," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said during the ribbon-cutting on Thursday.

The celebration was for nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at "The First" located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street. A ceremony was held in the new Housing Resource Center on First Street, which was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

The apartments will be leased out by Hearthway, with ServiceNet as a partner.

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, public officials and community resource personnel were able to tour the two new permanent supported housing projects — West Housatonic Apartments and The First Street Apartments and Housing Resource Center.

The First Street location has nine studio apartments that are about 300 square feet and has a large community center. The West Housatonic Street location will have 28 studio units that range between 300 to 350 square feet. All units can be adapted to be ADA accessible.

The West Housatonic location is still under construction with the hope to have it completed by the middle of January, said Chris Wilett, Hearthway development associate.

View Full Story