Berkshire Regional Transit Authority Offering Free Rides Though Saturday

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Catch a free bus ride in Berkshire County while you can.

Berkshire Regional Transit Authority is offering free rides from Monday, July 12 through Saturday, July 17 to welcome new riders and thank existing ones for their patronage.

"The BRTA is so happy to see everyone out and about," Deputy Administrator Sarah Vallieres said. "This is a big ‘thank you' to all of our customers who used our services throughout the pandemic and a 'welcome aboard' to anyone who has never traveled with us."

This is a promotion to encourage riders to use the public transportation services they offer through 13 communities in Berkshire County in the hopes of generating more interest and more ridership for the rest of the year.

It is a way to welcome back existing riders and new riders as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to lessen and more people are leaving their homes.

BRTA has made some service changes and some alterations to the transfer policy, Vallieres said, and this free week is also intended to help riders and potential riders familiarize themselves with the transportation system.

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.