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Relay for Life Kicks Off in North Adams

Staff reportsiBerkshires
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire Relay for Life kicks off with the survivors' lap at 6 tonight at Noel Field Athletic Complex.

This year's Relay theme is "Relay Time Warp: Celebrating 25 years of Hope" to mark the event's 25th anniversary benefiting the American Cancer Society.

Relay For Life will begin with the survivor lap recognizing those who have won the battle against cancer followed by the "caregivers" lap. Survivors and caregivers could start registering at 3 p.m. The luminaria ceremony in remembrance of those who have died will begin at 9 p.m.

New this year will be a drawing with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. This event is open to the public and will continue through the night with teams and individuals walking to raise money for research for the cure for cancer and in support of those suffering from the disease.

For more photos of the event, click here.

For a follow-up on how much was raised, click here.



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North Adams Housing Authority Director Steps Down

Staff Reports

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Jennifer Hohn, the longtime executive director of the North Adams Housing Authority (NAHA), has stepped down after 24 years with the agency.

The Berkshire Eagle reported that Hohn resigned from her position on Thursday. The NAHA Board of Commissioners is currently developing a transition plan.

Her resignation follows rising tension between Hohn and the tenants association. Residents—particularly at the Spring and Ashland Park apartments—have raised specific concerns regarding building security, drug activity, and trespassers.

This summer, Tenants Association President Corey Fortin posted a video on social media demonstrating that door alarms in some of the buildings were not functioning.

Shortly after the video was posted, the tenants association's office was locked. Members alleged Hohn locked the space in retaliation, while Hohn maintained it was a matter of tenant safety. Hohn also stated that NAHA does not officially recognize the association because it has yet to go through official channels for certification—a claim the tenants association disputes.

The dispute culminated in plans for a formal grievance hearing between Hohn and the association. Both sides agreed to hold a meeting on Oct. 3, but the hearing had not yet been scheduled at the time of her resignation.
During her tenure as director, Hohn oversaw significant changes at NAHA, including expansion and the dissolution of Housing Opportunities Incorporated, a program founded over 30 years ago to assist first-time homebuyers. Most recently, she led efforts to transition NAHA properties from traditional public housing models to the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. She also directed the rebuilding of a Greylock Valley Apartments building after it was severely damaged by a fire.

The NAHA Board of Commissioners meets monthly, typically on Mondays.

 

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