Neal to Host 2025 Military Service Academy Day

05:31PM / Friday, May 02, 2025Print Story | Email Story

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal will host his 2025 Academy Day information session this Sunday, May 4.

The event will take place at noon in the Davis Auditorium at the Springfield D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts, 21 Edwards St.

This session will allow interested students to learn more about each of the service academies and determine whether a military service academy or a similar education path is a suitable choice for their future.

Nominations by members of Congress or the vice president are required to attend the Military Academy at West Point and the Naval, Air Force and Merchant Marine academies. Candidates must also meet specific eligibility requirements and apply directly to the academies.

During the presentation, Neal will recognize students who received a nomination and were accepted to one of the service academies beginning this summer. Representatives from the congressman's office will also share information about the application process for congressional nominations.

Tags: military, Neal,

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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.

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