Governor Announces MassDEP Commissioner

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BOSTON — Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca L. Tepper announced the appointment of Bonnie Heiple as Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). 
 
Heiple starts on March 20.
 
"Massachusetts residents should know that they have a leader at MassDEP who will protect their communities," said Governor Healey. "As commissioner, Bonnie Heiple will be focused on protecting our residents and our most precious resources from harmful contaminants and the threats of a changing climate. We're thrilled to welcome Bonnie to the Healey-Driscoll Administration."
 
Bonnie Heiple comes to MassDEP from the law firm Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, where she practiced environmental and energy law nationally. Her environmental work includes litigation, regulatory compliance, and advising clients in rapidly evolving areas, including environmental, social, and governance issues. Her energy practice focused on permitting renewable energy generation, transmission, and storage projects across the U.S. A graduate of Boston University School of Law and magna cum laude from Bucknell University, she is a leader in the American Bar Association's Section on Energy, Environment, and Resources, and serves on the Boards of the Women's Bar Foundation, Women's Energy Network, and American Lung Association.
 
"Our cities and towns need a strong partner at MassDEP to guide their efforts to provide clean drinking water, harness the potential of our lands, and build resiliency," continued Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. "Bonnie Heiple will be a great collaborator to our local communities and residents as we chart a course during the climate crisis."
 

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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

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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