Berkshire Bank Names First Vice President, Commercial Team Leader

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Bank has promoted D. Matthew Emprimo to first vice president and commercial team leader of Berkshire County in Massachusetts and the state of Vermont. 

Emprimo joined the bank in 1998 and has more than 20 years of experience as a commercial relationship manager. In his new role, he will lead the team of commercial bankers that covers both Berkshire County and the state of Vermont.

"Matt's wealth of experience in commercial banking and local knowledge is a great asset to Berkshire Bank," said Michael Ferry, senior vice president, commercial regional president of Berkshire County and Vermont. "I'm confident that in this new role, Matt will use his skill set to lead his team to help businesses large and small meet their business goals in Berkshire County and Vermont."

Emprimo is a graduate of Bentley College in Waltham, Mass., and is active in the local community. He is a member of the Berkshire Bank Foundation Grants Committee and sits on the board of assessors for the Town of Sheffield. He is also on the board of directors for Wyantenuck Country Club.

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.