Lenco Named Employer of the Year by MassHire

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — MassHire has recently recognized Lenco Armored Vehicles, the leading designer and manufacturer of tactical armored security vehicles for law enforcement, fire and rescue and government entities worldwide, was named MassHire’s manufacturing employer of the year

"Lenco Armored Vehicles has been a strong supporter of MassHire’s efforts from the start," said Sara Milano, industry training consultant at MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board. "It is with great pleasure that we award Lenco Armored Vehicles as manufacturing employer of the year for their support and consistent efforts in promoting the manufacturing sector in the Berkshires." 

Lenco was selected for their active engagement with MassHire workforce efforts, including providing company tours, work-based learning experiences for local students, and for providing opportunities to get people across Massachusetts back to work. Their pipeline, recruitment and retention efforts are applauded.  

"We are so honored to be named employer of the year by the MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board," said Lenny Light, Vice President, Lenco Armored Vehicles. "This recognition reflects Lenco’s deep commitment to its employees and belief that our people are the key to our success. As we continue to grow the Lenco family, we look forward to building our team of dedicated and talented professionals who share our pride in and passion for the products we produce." 

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.