BHS Diabetes Education Program Launches Weight Loss & Lifestyle Change Program

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Health Systems Diabetes Education Program has implemented a Weight Loss and Lifestyle Change Program for those with Medicare, with new classes beginning in November, at multiple locations across the Berkshires.

The program is aimed at adults 18 and older who have a diagnosis of pre-diabetes by a blood test within the past year. To be eligible for this program, participants must have a need to lose weight, with a Body Mass Index of 25 or higher. The program involves 16 weekly classes over the first six-month period, and six monthly sessions over the remaining six months, for a year-long program. Participants must also be willing to log food that they eat and their activity minutes. This program is covered by Medicare.

To apply for the program, call 413-395-7942. A representative from the BHS Diabetes Education Program will take down information and complete the pre-diabetes risk assessment questions. A lifestyle coach will then contact eligible participants to discuss the program and confirm acceptance.

Demonstrators Demand Home Depot Condemn ICE Activity

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:33PM / Thursday, February 19, 2026

A counter-demonstrator showed up with megaphone and a T-shirt that read 'Don't Attack, Don't Resist, Don't Get Shot.' 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Community members want Home Depot's leadership to take a stand against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids around their stores.

On Monday, Presidents Day, dozens of people approached the big-box chain in Berkshire Crossing with "ICE out" signs, chanting "Love not hate makes America great." They took a lap through the aisles and bought symbolic items such as ice scrapers, which they would later return.

Bob Van Olst, of Indivisible Berkshires, said Home Depot's corporate policy has been "very complicit" with masked border patrol agents. Activists say the company removed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from its website last year, and that ICE agents have been arresting tradespeople without due process in Home Depot parking lots.

"We understand that over 70 percent of these people have no criminal records, have no gang affiliation. They're just hard-working members of the community trying to make a living, being scooped up and sent off to who knows where," Van Olst said.

"So we're asking Home Depot to cease their cooperation with ICE."

Robin O'Herin, of Stand Up Berkshires, said that to protect immigrant employees, workplaces need "employees only" signs for restricted areas so that ICE can't enter.

"They have none of that. They refuse to put them up," she said. "… and their parking lot is private, and they are happy that Home Depots all over the country plan staging to grab hard-working people and disappear them from Home Depot parking lots."

ICE has focused on the home improvement stores because day laborers often gather there to pick up work, particularly in southern or western states. Home Depot has stated it does not cooperate with ICE, but also cannot prohibit federal officers from entering its stores and parking lots. 

Van Olst can hardly believe that, at 78, he is still protesting against the infringement of civil rights.