Letter: Get Information About Dangers of Youth Vaping

To the Editor:

The start of the school year and new routines brings new worries about teen vaping. These concerns are important, especially now, because smoking and vaping may put people at higher risk of complications from COVID-19.

One in three Massachusetts teens vape and talking with young people about the dangers of vaping can make a difference. Learn more and watch videos at GetOutraged.org, part of a public information campaign from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Get Outraged! aims to spread the word that vaping products contain nicotine, can damage a teen's developing brain, and are addictive. The campaign also shares tips on talking with kids about vaping and resources to help them quit.

Get Outraged! complements "Facts. No Filters." a campaign with videos and information about vaping for youth at mass.gov/vaping by the Department of Public Health in collaboration with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.

In addition, handouts about vaping and quit resource cards for youth are available free of charge at the Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse.

For more information and to help you educate young people about vaping, contact Joyce Brewer at the Berkshire Tobacco-Free Community Partnership, jbrewer@berkshireahec.org
 

Joyce Brewer
Dalton, Mass.

Joyce Brewer is the program manager for the Berkshire Tobacco Free Community Partnership of Berkshire AHEC.

Weekend Outlook: Make Sure to Wear Green

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
02:16PM / Thursday, March 12, 2026

Check out the events happening in Berkshire County this weekend including St. Paddy's events, crafts, movies, and more.

Editor's Picks

The St. Patrick's Day parade features marching bands and floats. 

Hoosick Falls St. Patrick's Parade & Festival
Hoosick Armory, N.Y.
Time: noon

The 35th annual Irish Festival starts off with a parade from Wood Memorial Park and around the downtown with more than 40 units, including the Taconic Pipe Band and the Fifes and Drums of Olde Saratoga, and concludes with food and brew at the armory with the Burns Moore Bridge band and Hubbard Hall's Irish Dance Class.

 

Other businesses, taverns and restaurants will also be celebrating with a pub crawl, corned beef and cabbage at the Hoosick Falls Country Club, Reubens at the Society of St. Stanislaw, and outdoor grilling at the Sand Bar. 

 

Parade line-up and participating businesses can be found here. 

Glow for a Cause
North Adams Elks Hall
Time: Saturday, 8:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Glow at a blacklight party with DJ Kane and DJ R.P. Express. Includes 50/50 raffle, charcuterie buffet, a glowing chocolate fountain, cotton candy, and pizza. Highlighters, glow sticks and other glow items available. 

 

This is fundraiser for PopCares and is for ages 21 and older. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Cashapp or Venmo djkane01220 or contact Kane Robert at 413-347-3976.

More information here. 

Multiple Days

Berkshire Botanical Bulb Show
Feb. 20 to March 20

The Fitzpatrick Greenhouse at Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to welcome the new season amongst hundreds of flowering bulbs.

The greenhouse is free and open to the public. More information here.

'Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka'
Hoosac Valley High School
Friday through Saturday

This is a musical adaptation of Dahl's "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" staged by the high school's theater group. Bring the family or friends to enjoy the childhood story come to life.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students.

More information and tickets here.

Friday

Family Movie: 'Zootopia 2'
Milne Public Library, Williamstown
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.

Bring the family to see Disney's "Zootopia 2." There will be popcorn but attendees are encouraged to bring their own bowls. 

More information here.

Common Craft Night
165 E 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.

The Seven Wonders

Stationery Factory, Dalton

Time: Friday & Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

 

Tribute band the Seven Wonders pay homage to the music of Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks. Charlotte Morris opens.