1Berkshire Receives Regional Economic Development Organization Grant

• Year two of the Best Foot Forward Facade Improvement Micro-Grant Program: This effort, piloted in 2022, will again provide a series of one-time micro-grants to first-floor business storefronts to support investment in non-construction aesthetic improvements. Applications are now open for this program and found at http://bit.ly/3XmC0sl
• "Insert Here" Vacant Window Art Program: This pilot program will provide up to three organizations or municipalities with a sub-award grant of $5,000 to fund the commissioning and installation of printed vinyl artwork in vacant storefront windows to help draw attention to available commercial space and add to downtown beautification. Applications are now open for this program and found at http://bit.ly/3kp1ff0
• Berkshire Innovation Center North Pilot Programming: This funding will support the piloting of programming and activities associated with extending the reach of the Berkshire Innovation Center into a northern Berkshire presence.
• Small Business Resource Expo: The Small Business Resource Expo, that was first held in 2022, will be held again.
• GreylockWORKS Lighting and Signage: In an effort to support the ongoing development of GreylockWORKS, this project will support the production and installation of signage and lighting elements that allow for improved user experience and navigation of the North Adams multi-purpose, mixed-use complex and on-site events.

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.