Tri-Town Health Board Bans Tobacco Sales In Pharmacies

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LEE, Mass. — Tri-Town Health Department Director James J. Wilusz announced at a public hearing Monday that the Tri-Town Board of Health, which represents Lee, Lenox and Stockbridge, amended its local tobacco regulations.
 
In regards to the local regulation, "Restricting the Sale of Tobacco Products and Nicotine Delivery Products," pharmacies will not be allowed to sell tobacco products starting on July 1.
 
"It is illogical that a health care institution that promotes health and wellness, offers medical advice, and administers vaccinations to sell tobacco products and it is a direct conflict of interest of what they are trying to promote," Wilusz said.
 
The Board also banned tobacco sales in educational institutions, indoor e-cigarette use, outdoor smoking where food is served, and the sale of rolling machines.
 
Retailers are also now required to to post a cessation hotline number sign as well.
 
All regulations are effective July 1.

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Toy Library Installed at Onota Lake

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Feel free to use or leave a toy at Onota Lake's newest infrastructure meant to foster community and benefit kids.

Burbank Park now has a toy library thanks to Wahconah Regional High School senior Alexandra Bills. Located along the wall at the beach area, the green and blue structure features two shelves with sand toys that can be used to enhance children's visits.

The Parks Commission supported Bills' proposal in February as part of her National Honors Society individual service project and it was installed this month. Measuring about 4 feet wide and 5.8 feet tall, it was built by the student and her father with donated materials from a local lumber company.

Friends and family members provided toys to fill the library such as pails, shovels, Frisbees, and trucks.

"I wanted to create a toy library like the other examples in Berkshire County from the sled library to the book libraries," she told the commission in February.

"But I wanted to make it toys for Onota Lake because a lot of kids forget their toys or some kids can't afford toys."

Bills lives nearby and will check on the library weekly — if not daily — to ensure the operation is running smoothly.  A sign reading "Borrow-Play-Return" asks community members to clean up after themselves after using the toys.

It was built to accommodate children's heights and will be stored during the winter season.

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