Pittsfield Cooperative Bank Holds Annual Meeting, Elects Board of Directors

07:51AM / Friday, June 13, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) held its annual meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 and welcomed a new member to its Board of Directors.

During the meeting, members unanimously elected Linda Johnston, a veteran human resources executive with over 35 years of banking experience at Berkshire Bank, to the Board. Johnston brings extensive leadership expertise in talent development, workforce strategy, and organizational growth—making her a valuable addition to the Co-op's community-focused mission.

President and CEO Michael P. Daly reported that Co-op Bank continues to stand on exceptionally strong financial footing.

"We are proud to report that the Co-op holds the best capital ratio in the Berkshires and ranks among the strongest in Massachusetts," said Daly. "This performance reflects our commitment to conservative financial management, smart growth, and serving our customers with integrity." Daly also noted a growing sense of energy and enthusiasm surrounding the Bank, both within the organization and in the broader community."

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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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