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Berkshire Trendsetter Awards 2014 Presented

Peter White, center, with Megan Whilden and Mick Callahan, was named this year's Young Professional Making A Difference. See more photos here.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The region's "Trendsetters" were honored on Tuesday night their for contributions to the economic, cultural and civic health of the Berkshires.  

Sponsored by 1Berkshire, the county's economic development organization, more more than 275 people attended the fourth annual event held at the Pittsfield Municipal Airport.

The Trendsetter Awards recognize businesses, organizations, and individuals whose outstanding achievements and commitment have strengthened the economy and helped the Berkshires grow.

Berkshire Health Systems was recognized with a special award for "Putting the Berkshires on the Map" for its leadership in quality health care and the role that plays in enhancing the overall image, and health, of the Berkshires.

In addition to being the county's largest employer and investing $30 million into the region through the development of the new state-of-the-art Berkshire Medical Center Cancer Center, it demonstrated commitment to the community by stepping to assume responsibility for essential healthcare services after the close of North Adams Regional Hospital in early 2014.

David Phelps, president & CEO of BHS, accepted a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted sculpture at the culmination of the event, donated by Lauren Clark Fine Art of Great Barrington.

In the Creativity and Innovation category, LympheDIVAs was awarded for filling a void in the medical device industry with its development of fashionable, medically correct compression garments for women suffering from lymphedema, which can promote mental health while also providing relief from symptoms.

The Newcomer of the Year award was presented to No. Six Depot Roastery & Cafe for turning the old train station in West Stockbridge into a thriving business that also serves as a community center by hosting local artists and a variety of events ranging from film screenings, performances, dance lessons and more.

Berkshire United Way was named Nonprofit of the Year for its slate of community impact programming that has created sustained improvements in local early childhood literacy, teen substance use prevention, and teen pregnancy prevention.

Winning the Public Relations Trendsetter award was Briarcliff Motel for attracting editorial interest from traditional media and using online media and social sites to build interest, effectively generating buzz and increasing business for their newly opened motel in Great Barrington.

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort received the Overall Marketing award for implementing a successful year-round marketing campaign that attracts visitors from all over the country by combining traditional, digital, and social tactics, and has resulted in increased visitation rates.

The Growing and Advancing the Berkshire Economy award was given to Berkshire Community College for their leadership in promoting the future of manufacturing in the Berkshires, and collaboration with local educational institutions and businesses to develop a future workforce for the industry so the companies in this field can continue to thrive.

New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 

 

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

 

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

 

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

 

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

 

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

 

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.