image description — Some 250 people participated in painting and mindfulness activities on the Common last Saturday.

NAMI Berkshires Holds Youth Mental Wellness Fair

Community submission01:31PM / Saturday, July 19, 2025Print Story | Email Story

The fair offered tables for other organizations to share resources.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — NAMI Berkshire County held its first ever Youth Mental Health Wellness Fair on July 12 at the Common, in conjunction with Roots Risings' Pittsfield Farmers Market.

The local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness attracted close to 250 people to the "big tent" to partake in painting activities including T-shirts under the guidance of local artist Mike Carty, birdhouses, wellness rocks and flowerpots, and planted flowers in pots and made friendship bracelets.

Several non-profit organizations also participated in the event, sharing information on the resources and programs they provide, including Berkshire Health Systems, Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Berkshire Music School, which also provided a variety of instruments for the kids to experience from their "musical petting zoo."

Elizabeth Heller, author of "Breathe, Move, Journal," led a group session on fun mindfulness activities for kids that encourage emotional and physical well-being. Joanna Barzottini provided chair massages and Balloon Ben Wibby created balloon animals for the kids.

"The event was definitely a success," said Ruth Healy, president of the NAMI Berkshire County board of directors. "We weren't sure what to expect as far as turnout goes, but we had a steady stream of adults and children from the beginning to the end. We absolutely plan to hold this event again and hope to partner with even more organizations to make the event bigger and better."

She said NAMI's mission is to provide support, education and advocacy to all those in our community whose lives are affected by mental health issues.

"Our youth are our future and we need to help them feel that their lives matter and that we listen to their fears and concerns and help them learn coping strategies," she said. "If we helped to enrich the lives of these young people at this event, then we succeeded in our goal."

Healy said the organization was grateful to everyone who participated and especially Berkshire Health Systems and Guardian Life Insurance Company for their financial backing: "We couldn't have held this event without their support."

Learn more about NAMI Berkshire County at www.namibc.org.

Tags: health & wellness, NAMI, resource fair,

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.

Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

12:05PM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.

This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.

The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.

DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.

"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths.

"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."

Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.

View Full Story