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North Adams Movieplex Holds 'Five For Free' Food Drive

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Movieplex will host its annual "Five for Free" food drive on Thursday.
 
Theater officials say its a great way to get into the holiday spirit by helping those in need and enjoying some time at the movies.
 
"It helps the community and we don't want to just be in the community, we want to be part of the community," theater manager Scott Ingalls said. "Especially this time of a year when people need it."
 
Ingalls said those who bring in five nonperishable food items on Thursday between 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. will be admitted to the movie of their choice.
 
"People can just come in and bring five nonperishable food items," he said. "They choose the movie of their choice and we let them in and they enjoy the movie."
 
Ingalls said people can donate Wednesday or Thursday and receive a large popcorn if they aren't interested in watching a movie. 
 
All the food collected will be given to the Berkshire Dream Center, a religious charitable organization that operates a food pantry at Living Hope Community Church on River Street.
 
"We are happy to partner with the Dream Center and they do a great job," he said. "They disperse it to local families in need." 
 
Ingalls said the North Adams Movieplex has held this holiday food drive for the past seven years and is dedicated to serving the community — especially around the holidays.
 
"Everybody needs something and we want to give back and do what we can do," he said. "People are especially in need here and we want to help."
 

Tags: food drive,   holiday story,   

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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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