North Adams - Three northern Berkshire High Schools will be offering smoking cessation information to their students on Thursday, November 17, 2005 as they take part in the 29th Annual Great American Smokeout.
The S.A.D.D. organizations of Drury High School and Hoosac Valley High School and the S.M.I.L.E. organization at Mt. Greylock Regional High School will recognize the Great American Smokeout. Each school will have a table with smoking cessation materials manned with students from S.A.D.D. and S.M.I.L.E.
Forty-five million Americans are addicted to tobacco; roughly one in four adults and one in five teenagers are smokers in the United States. The goal is to encourage students to commit to not starting to smoke and to provide those students who are currently smoking information on how to stop.
The American Cancer Society and the REACH Community Health Foundation will supply brochures and materials geared for adolescents and smoking cessation. Every year, the American Cancer Society designates the third Thursday in November as a day for smokers nationwide to unite and kick the deadly habit. This year the REACH Community Health Foundation will also promote smoking cessation by bringing information to the community.
On Thursday, November 17 at the Price Chopper on State Road and Friday, November 18 at the Stop & Shop on State Road, REACH will have a scroll for those who have quit smoking to sign. There will also be information on the 2006 schedule for smoking cessation classes that will be sponsored by REACH."The point of the scroll is to show smokers in our community that their neighbors, teachers, doctors and public servants may have smoked at one time, but they were able to quit," said Sharon Leary, Community Health Advocate for REACH. "We want people to know that they can quit smoking and we can help."
REACH conducts smoking cessation classes that are held at the VNA & Hospice. Quitters are Winners is a six week program that helps smokers to prepare to quit, gives them stress management techniques, offers weight control information, and relapse prevention. The next class session begins on Tuesday, January 10.
The goals of the smoking cessation program at the REACH Community Health Foundation are to reduce tobacco use in our community by providing ongoing tobacco treatment classes, resources and tools; provide counseling services for pregnant women and young families; and provide ongoing activities that increase awareness of the risks of tobacco use, and discourage tobacco use in culturally sensitive and age appropriate ways.
The REACH Community Health Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of the Northern Berkshire community. A subsidiary of Northern Berkshire Healthcare, REACH organizes an array of initiatives in health education, treatment services, disease prevention, research, and advocacy. In addition to smoking cessation, REACH runs programs in breast cancer support and awareness, caregiver support, fitness and nutrition, dental health, children's health, and men's health.
For more information about these and the smoking cessation programs please call 413-664-5326.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Dalton Day Returns This Saturday
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town's popular Dalton Day festival is returning this weekend after a year's hiatus.
The event will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the field in front of the Senior Center.
The community celebration was established in 2023 by the Cultural Council in an effort to increase resident participation at town meetings while also showcasing the area's welcoming, diverse, artistic and sporty atmosphere. In 2024, the event brought together 300 residents.
"The primary mission of Dalton Day is to foster a strong sense of community, build civic pride, and bring residents together through a shared celebration of local culture, music, and food," said Jeannie Ingram, Select Board member and cultural council chair, and Lori Venezia, executive assistant to the town manager.
The event provides an accessible and free platform for "civic education, community bonding, and supporting local businesses, artisans, makers, and culture more broadly," they said.
The festival strengthens the fabric of the town both civically and economically by connecting grassroots organizations with residents, fostering a shared sense of belonging, and providing free, family-friendly entertainment.
It also serves as an opportunity for community members to meet with local officials and a couple of state officials. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Leigh Davis will be coming from Beacon Hill to speak at the event.
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Jason Codey struck out 13, walked two and allowed just an infield single as the Generals earned a 7-1 win over Wahconah to claim their third straight regional title. click for more
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