Dalton Physician Joins CHP-Neighborhood Health Center in Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Dr. Patricia Lehmann, an internal medicine physician practicing in the Pittsfield area since 1979, has joined Community Health Programs’ primary care team at the Neighborhood Health Center.

Most recently in practice at Dalton Medical Associates, Lehmann is board certified in internal medicine and is a graduate of Trinity College University of Dublin, where she earned degrees in medicine and surgery.

She completed her medical residency at Berkshire Medical Center in 1982 and began working in Pittsfield, first at the former 510 North St. walk-in clinic, and then in private practice in Pittsfield. A Pittsfield resident, Dr. Lehmann joined the Dalton group in 2010.

Dr. Lehmann will see adult patients at the CHP-Neighborhood Health Center, 510 North St. Information and appointments can be found by calling 413-447-2351 or going online.

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.