Craneville Place of Dalton Welcomes New Administrator

DALTON, Mass. — Craneville Place of Dalton Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center has named Christina Rootes-Hunter as the company's administrator.

Rootes-Hunter will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the facility, overseeing all departments and general management responsibilities.

Rootes-Hunter, who holds degrees in both gerontology and law, has nearly 30y years of experience as an administrator of skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities across Massachusetts and Connecticut. She has been a member of AHCA (American Health Care Association) for many years, and has served as vice president at the Holland Council on Aging for the past six years. In her previous roles, she has successfully lead her team in delivering quality service, has offered strong staff leadership and was deeply involved in community development. This background has helped Rootes-Hunter to make an easy transition to Craneville Place.

"We are so excited to have Tina on board. She will bring a fresh perspective and approach to our center," said Andrew Gillis, vice president of operations for Bane Care Management, the management organization for Craneville Place. "Tina has a proven track record of skills leading staff to achieve set goals, while creating an environment that values compassion, dignity and respect for our residents."

Nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, Craneville Place offers a serene country setting and is conveniently located near downtown Pittsfield and Berkshire Medical Center. Its 89 bed skilled nursing facility offers short term rehabilitation and long term care. For more information, call 413-684-3212.

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.