Pittsfield Announces Sidewalk Repair Work

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield’s Department of Community Development announced that sidewalk repair work is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 9, 2025. The project involves replacing existing asphalt sidewalks with concrete in several locations.

The affected areas include:

• North side of Columbus Avenue from Robbins Avenue to Francis Avenue
• North side of Summer Street from Francis Avenue to Center Street
• South side of Union Street from Francis Avenue to Union Street
• South side of Bradford Street from Francis Avenue to Center Street
• North side of Bradford Street from Center Street to North Street

During the construction period, these sidewalks will be closed to pedestrian traffic, and pedestrians are advised to use the sidewalks on the opposite side of the street. The work is anticipated to take place over the next four weeks, though the schedule may be subject to change due to weather conditions.

Funding for this project is provided by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, allocated for projects within eligible neighborhoods in accordance with program guidelines. 

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.