Mazzeo's Planning Move to South Street

By Larry KratkaBerkshire News Network
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Mazzeo family is moving its famed eatery to new, bigger digs soon.

The Berkshire News Network has learned that the Mazzeos, who own Mazzeo's Ristorante on Winter Street, have entered into an agreement to purchase the closed Asters Restaurant on South Street at an undisclosed price.

Anthony "Tony" Mazzeo said that once the purchase is complete, he plans on moving the Italian restaurant to the new location.

After dealing with parking issues and a small kitchen at the current building, the Aster's location will serve the needs of his customers much better, he said.

The 4-year-old Asters closed abruptly in November, the victim of rising costs and declining dining. The owner, Joseph M. Toole of Lenox, told The Berkshire Eagle the renovated restaurant would go on the market immediately. It seems the Mazzeos took him at his word.


Tony Mazzeo said he has been in negotiations with Asters since Thanksgiving and, if all goes according to plan, the move from Winter Street to South Street could take place as early as April. 

Mazzeo's Ristorante has been at 7 Winter St. since it opened in 1988. The popular eatery caters to all ages and features homemade pastas and desserts.

Mazzeo, who owns the restaurant with his brother Michael, said they don't plan on selling the Winter Street site and will continue to operate the building for weddings and other functions. Mazzeo's also offers catering and banquet services.

 

The Berkshire News Network, which includes radio stations WNAW and WUPE, is a media partner of iBerkshires.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

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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