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.

Fines, Appeals, Lawsuit Collide in Berkshire Concrete Dispute

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:35AM / Thursday, April 30, 2026

Resident Ron Griffin speaking at Tuesday's Board of Health meeting, thinks the fight with Berkshire Concrete has resulted in some public officials leaving. He is one of the first abutters to speak against Berkshire Concrete. 

DALTON, Mass. — The building inspector's ticket book is running thin as the town starts to issue daily fines to Berkshire Concrete for its failure to submit a revised remediation plan for the unauthorized dig site. 

 

Petricca Industries, the parent company of Berkshire Concrete, was issued a $50 fine on Saturday, April 25; $100 on Sunday, and $300 daily fines continuing thereafter until a detailed restoration plan is received, Building Inspector Brian Duval said. 

 

As of Wednesday afternoon, no resubmission of the plan has happened, he said. 

 

Almost a year ago, both the Select Board and Planning Board expressed that they wanted parcel No. 105-16 fully mitigated to abide by the town's bylaws. 

 

This vote was supported by the Zoning Board of Appeals, which ruled that Berkshire Concrete had violated zoning bylaw 350-61 Section E. Restoration. 

 

Petricca Industries appealed this decision, however, ZBA upheld its initial vote and ordered the company to fully remediate or cover the dig site to abide by town bylaws.

 

During Monday's Select Board meeting, Town Manager Eric Anderson said Berkshire Concrete claimed it did not believe that the board's directive to remediate the unauthorized dig site included parcel 105-16.