Pittsfield Man Convicted For Threatening People With A Machete

12:04PM / Friday, October 01, 2021Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Tuesday, a Central Berkshire District Court jury found 40-year-old Craig Mills guilty on single counts of assault with a deadly weapon and disorderly conduct.

The jury acquitted Mills on one additional charge of assault with a deadly weapon.

"I thank the Pittsfield Police Department for their response that night and the jurors for their service. People should not be fearful in their own homes. This conviction holds the perpetrator accountable for the harm he caused," District Attorney Andrea Harrington said.

The jury found that Mills stood outside the victims' home on May 23 and began swinging the weapon and making threats.

Judge Paul Smyth sentenced Mills to serve two and a half years at the Berkshire County House of Correction, 18 months direct and the balance suspended.

The Commonwealth requested the court to sentence to 18 months in the House of Correction. Defense Counsel asked the court to sentence Mills' to time already served while awaiting trial.

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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.

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