Year-Long BHS Diabetes Prevention Program Seeking Participants

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Diabetes Education Program at Berkshire Health Systems is launching a year-long intensive program to help participants to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

Space for this program is limited, and successful applicants will be accepted through a risk-assessment questionnaire. The program begins in September.

The classes are being held in Pittsfield, with 16 weekly sessions over six months, followed by six monthly sessions held for the remaining six months. It is open to those 18 and older, with priority given to applicants who have a weight loss need of 20 pounds or more and with a diagnosis of pre-diabetes.

To be eligible, applicants must be willing to attend all of the sessions and be willing to log food eaten and activity minutes. A representative of the program will take the applicant’s information and complete a pre-diabetes risk assessment questionnaire with the applicant. A lifestyle coach will then contact the successful applicants and discuss and confirm their acceptance into the program.

This Diabetes Prevention program is covered by Medicare. To apply, please call the BHS Diabetes Education Program, at 413-395-7942. The Berkshire Health Systems Diabetes Education Program is recognized by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.