Berkshire County Musician David Grover Has Died

Staff Reports 01:35PM / Thursday, November 04, 2021Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The local musician, who performed with Arlo Guthrie and made music for children, has passed at the age of 69.

According to the Berkshire Eagle, the Pittsfield native died Wednesday evening from complications following a car accident in New York.

Grover, a guitarist, was a member of the band Shenandoah that backed Arlo Guthrie, among others.

Locally he was known as a beloved children's musician. His Big Bear Band performed for young people throughout the county for over 40 years.

A Go Fund Me account was set up to benefit his surviving wife and grandchildren.

The page reads:

We have lost a truly incredible, talented, unrelentingly kind person who has changed thousands of lives. He has served the world since his birth with his music, his advice, and his light. Most people may know David from his time playing music in Shenandoah, or from his time making children's music with the Big Bear Band. He had a passion to inspire kids and teach them the beauty that he saw in the world. There will be many more stories and writings of his many accomplishments and joys.

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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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