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: Dance for a Good Cause

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
12:38PM / Friday, March 27, 2026

Check out the events happening this week, including egg hunts, fundraising events, and live music and dancing.

Editor's Pick

Northern Lights Ball
Elks Lodge, North Adams
Time: 8 p.m. to midnight

Dress in your favorite fun attire and glitter and dance the night away with DJ BFG There will also be drag performances, karaoke, snacks, and more. Hosted by Berkshire Pride. 

General admission: $20

More information and tickets here.

Multiple Days
Disney's 'The Little Mermaid'
Lenox Memorial High School
Time: Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.

The high school's drama team is performing Disney's "The Little Mermaid." Enjoy the classic story and dress up as your favorite character and grab a photo with the cast.

Admission is $10 for seniors and students, $15 for adults; children free if in costume for the Saturday 2 p.m. showing only.

More information here.

Friday

Groove for Good Miracles for Miles Dance Party
Stationery Factory, Dalton
Time: 7 to 11 p.m.

Help raise money for Boston's Children Hospital. Never stop dancing for the chance to win $1,000.

Tickets range from $25 to $50, with $100 for a vendor sponsor table.

More information and tickets here.

'Under the Sea'

FutureLabs Gallery, North Adams

Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

 

The Glow Ocean exhibit closes at 43 Eagle St. with one last event with The Plant Connector. Build a jelly fish terrarium for $20. Bring a piece of the glow ocean home with you or just chill out. 

 

More information here. 

 

Kristin Key
Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Musical comedian Kristin Key brings her commentary on queer culture, cats and crocheting to the Colonial for one night only. Tickets range from $43 to $53.

More information and tickets here.

Saturday

36th Annual Pittsfield Rotary Auction
Berkshire Hills Country Club, Pittsfield
Time: 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Support and invest in the community with the annual auction. Enjoy entertainment, appetizers, and more. 

More information and tickets here.

'Wild Hope: Building for Birds'

Milne Public Library, Williamstown

Time: 11 a.m.

 

This 16-minute documentary looks at the effect of building glass on bird populations and innovative solutions to this problem. Afterwards, we will engage in simple hands-on activities to help keep our feathered friends safe. And, a few lucky winners will receive window collision tape to use on their windows at home.