WMECO and Berkshire Chamber Host Powering Your Business: An Energy Forum

PITTSFIELD, Mass. - Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECO) and the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce will host Powering Your Business: An Energy Forum on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield.

Registration and refreshments will be available in the lobby of the Theatre beginning at 8:00AM and the program will commence at 8:30 AM. 

This event is free for all attendees.
 
At this informational, business-focused forum, attendees will have an opportunity to hear first-hand about pricing predictions for 2010, energy efficiency programs, and latest details on the Green Communities Act. Additionally, all attendees will be automatically entered into a drawing to win one of three gift certificates to Berkshire-based businesses.
 
To register for this forum, call Denisha Patel at (413) 787-9463, email patelda@nu.com, or visit www.berkshirechamber.com.
 
About Western Massachusetts Electric Company
Western Massachusetts Electric Company, part of the Northeast Utilities System, serves approximately 200,000 customers in 59 communities throughout western Massachusetts and is committed to the environment, economic development and the health of the communities it serves. For more information about WMECO, visit their Web site at www.wmeco.com.

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.