Berkshire Museum festival of Trees: Aquatica Exhibition

10:40AM / Tuesday, November 19, 2024Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Berkshire Museum's Festival of Trees (FoT) annual holiday exhibition returns with a new theme – Festival of Trees: Aquatica.

According to a press release, this year's topic is all about the sea, river, and wetland critters and ties into the museum's construction, redesign, and expansion of their aquarium.

Now in its 40th year, FoT offers visitors a chance to enjoy a display of trees located on the 2nd floor of the museum, all decorated by local businesses, schools, museum staff, and tree sponsors.

This year's temporary exhibition runs Friday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 and is free with admission.

"The Festival of Trees is one of those unique experiences that brings the community together for a display of creativity, made even more impressive considering it has flourished for decades," said William Demick, Berkshire Museum's Membership and Development Manager. "The enthusiasm and creativity with which local businesses approach their displays and the joy that it brings to our visitors is something that we look forward to all year. Our 2024 theme – Aquatica – was chosen to celebrate the museum's aquarium as one of its most treasured exhibits; one that will undergo a truly remarkable transformation in the near future."

The public can also join museum staff and exhibition sponsors for their Festival of Tress: Aquatica Opening Reception on Friday, Nov. 22, from 5:30 – 8:00pm. Guests will be the first to explore this holiday-themed exhibition, as well as enjoy bites by KJ Nosh, drinks, and an ensemble performance by Kids 4 Harmony, a program of 18 Degrees.

Tickets are $22 for Members, $5 for Member – Child (3 – 13), $45 for Not-Yet Members, and $10 for Not-Yet Member Child (3 – 13). Those interested in attending can visit berkshiremuseum.org to learn more.

Current sponsors: Pittsfield Pipers, Inc., All-Ways Moving & Storage Co., Barrington Stage Company, BFAIR, Bottomless Bricks, Molari Inc., The Brien Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Interprint, Inc, Lee Bank, NBT Bank, Berkshire Theatre Group, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, Berkshire Magazine

Tags: Berkshire Museum,

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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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