Pittsfield Dentist Named Volunteer Hero by the Massachusetts Dental Society

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Dr. Thomas J. Sakshaug was recently recognized as a William McKenna Volunteer Hero by the Massachusetts Dental Society, a statewide organization serving nearly 5,000 member dentists.

Dr. Sakshaug was acknowledged by his peers for substantial contributions to organized dentistry at both the state and local district levels.

Sakshaug, who has been practicing dentistry in the Berkshires for 30 years, has been a member of the Berkshire District Dental Society for 30 years, serving as treasurer for the past 13 years. He has also volunteered extensively with Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Berkshires, a Great Barrington-based organization that provides care for working, low-income residents in the county.

In a non-dental capacity, he has volunteered with the Berkshire Environmental Action Team and the American Chestnut Restoration Project. Locally, he also has served as campaign manager for Mayor Linda Tyer, vice chair on the Conservation and Animal Control Commissions in Pittsfield, and is current chair of the Airport Study Committee.

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.