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The American Legion in North Adams has been providing Christmas meals for 60 years.

American Legion Will Provide Meal On Christmas Day

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams American Legion Post 125 will once again provide a Christmas Day meal for all those in need.

William Schrade, chairman of the Be Our Guest Christmas Dinner at American Legion Post 125, said since 1955 the American Legion has been making sure no one goes without a full belly on Christmas.  

"It's just a great thing it allows you to give something from the heart and give back when so many people have given to us so we can enjoy the holiday," Schrade said. "It's a great thing and it really makes you feel good."

Schrade said the Legion will serve ham, mashed potatoes, a dinner roll, and mixed vegetables from 11 to 2. There will also be pumpkin and apple pie. Those who eat at the post home will take home a bag with a ham and cheese sandwich, a piece of fruit, and a cookie.

The Legion will also deliver meals to those who call ahead of time. More than 60 people have signed up for deliveries so far, but he anticipates between another 100 to 200 will call in.

The post delivers to North Adams, Adams, Cheshire, Savoy, Clarksburg, Florida, and even Readsboro, Vt..

Schrade said the dinner is only possible though the kindness of the community members who donate money to purchase the food and volunteer to deliver meals and serve at the Legion.

He said the past few years a lot of younger people have come on board.

"Over the past few years, we have been getting a lot of younger people," he said. "That's how my daughter started, and she was coming down when she was 5 or 6 years old waiting tables and now she is 23 years old and in charge of the meals-to-go."

Schrade said that beyond just a good meal, the dinner also provides company to those who may have nowhere to go on the holidays.

"They have a meal but they sit with other people and just shoot the breeze an eat," he said. "They can just have a good time."


Tags: american legion,   charity,   Christmas story,   dinner,   

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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.

The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.

"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."

Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.

Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.

The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.

Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.

Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.

The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.

The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.

"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."

Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.

"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."

He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.

"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."

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