Adams Increases Age for Tobacco Sales to 21

ADAMS, Mass. — The Board of Health has banned the selling of tobacco products to those under the age of 21 in town and updated its regulations.

The board heard no opposition to its proposals during a public hearing on Tuesday night and voted to put the new regulations in effect on Feb. 1, 2017.

"Any products containing, made or derived from tobacco or nicotine that is intended for human consumption, smoked, chewed, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed or injected by any means … will not be sold to anyone under the legal age of 21," Chairman Bruce Shepley said before he read through the specifics of the new regulation.

The Board of Health started the process earlier this year with the help of the Tri-Town Health Department to overhaul the current regulations and update language.

Over the past few months, the Board of Health tweaked the regulations and enforcement to better fit the town of Adams.

During public comment, the only voices on the regulation were in support.

"We are wholeheartedly in support of tobacco 21," Joyce Brewer, contract manager with Tobacco-Free Community Partnership, said. "We all know that most people start smoking before they are 18 … and they are very susceptible to getting hooked on nicotine so we are in support of tobacco 21 and its acceptance by Adams."

Adams is the latest in a growing number of Berkshire communities that have set 21 as the minimum age to buy tobacco products. North Adams changed its regulations in April; Williamstown and Pittsfield also instituted tougher regulations as a deterrent to teen smoking in 2014.

Hoosac Valley Third-Graders Host Memorial Day Celebration

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
03:51PM / Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Jason Civello, a Hoosac Valley High graduate, spoke about his 31 years in the Army and National Guard. 

ADAMS, Mass. — Hoosac Valley Elementary School third-graders hosted a Memorial Day celebration for families, community members, local veterans, and school administration on Tuesday.

 

Guest speaker retired Command Sgt. Maj. Jason F. Civello, a Hoosac Valley graduate, asked the students gathered in the school auditorium to raise their hands if they liked to help people. He said those who raised their hands have a lot in common with military personnel.

 

He then talked about his experience in the Army and how it has shaped his perspective on Memorial Day.

 

"As someone who spent over three decades serving in the United States Army, I can tell you that military service is built on many things: discipline, sacrifice, teamwork, loyalty and love of our country," he said. "But there is something else that every service member understands. Service means that some will give everything and Memorial Day is about those heroes."

 

He added that he served with many people from different backgrounds, races, and religions.

 

"Once we put on that uniform we were all one team, one mission, one family. Among those people were individuals willing to sacrifice everything for the persons standing next to them and for the country they love," he said.

 

Civello went on to say that Memorial Day is more than a summer cookout or the unofficial start of summer. He said although there is nothing wrong with enjoying these moments with friends and family, it is important to remember the real meaning of Memorial Day.