Pittsfield Announces Street Improvement Project Schedule

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield has announced scheduled street improvements from April 28 through May 2.

From April 28 to April 30, structure lowering will occur on Daniels Avenue, Newell Street, and Meadow Lane. Milling is scheduled for Daniels Avenue on April 29, followed by the first course of paving on April 30. Milling will take place on Newell Street and Meadow Lane from May 1 to May 2.

On-street parking will be prohibited on these streets between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. during the work periods.

Berkshire Gas will continue underground utility work at the intersection of East Street and Silver Lake Boulevard. On April 28 and April 29, traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions at this intersection from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution when traveling in these areas. The schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions.

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.