Harvey Joins Pittsfield Co-op's Retail Mortgage Team

03:07PM / Wednesday, February 12, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) announced the appointment of LouAnn A. Harvey as a VP, Mortgage Originator for South County within its Retail Mortgage Department.

With more than three decades of experience in the mortgage industry, Harvey brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of excellence to the role.

Prior to joining Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, Harvey served as Assistant Vice President and Mortgage Officer at Berkshire Bank, where she was recognized as one of the most successful mortgage loan originators in Berkshire County.

Her dedication to client service and deep understanding of the local real estate market have earned her a stellar reputation among homebuyers and industry professionals alike.

Harvey has been an active member of her community throughout her career. She was a founding member of the Railroad Street Youth Project, a past president of the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and one of the first women to join the Great Barrington Rotary Club.

"We are thrilled to welcome LouAnn to our retail lending team," said Michael P. Daly, CEO of Co-op Bank. "Through her extensive experience and commitment to her customers, she has been instrumental in helping hundreds of families achieve their homeownership dreams."

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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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