BMC North Street Driveway Closing as Part of Construction Project

10:49AM / Thursday, May 30, 2024Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced that the North Street driveway to Berkshire Medical Center (opposite the hospital's main entrance) will be closed as of Monday, June 3 and will remain closed for approximately six months.

This closure is the result of the ongoing DOT traffic circle project near the Medical Center.

During this phase of the project, the primary BMC campus entrance for vehicle traffic will move to the Charles Street driveway entrance, located between the Patient Parking Garage and the Medical Arts Complex.

When traveling North and South, use Wahconah Street to Charles Street to reach both Emergency and hospital entrances.

Ambulance traffic will continue to access the Emergency Department by using Wahconah Street. This entrance is for ambulances only.

Free valet parking continues to be available both at the main BMC entrance circle and in front of the entry to the BMC Medical Arts Complex.

Refer to the map available at www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/traffic.

Tags: BHS, BMC,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

RIBCO Supply

Check out our great lineup of Boss Plows, and spreaders. 2 Locations Clarksburg & Pittsfield!

ribcosupply.com

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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.

View Full Story