Volunteer Activities in North Adams & Pittsfield for MLK Jr. Day

04:45PM / Tuesday, January 10, 2023Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Both Berkshire County's cities will recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday with service-oriented activities.

The Northern Berkshire Day of Service will be will start at 8:30 a.m. at the Venable Hall gym on the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts campus. Sponsored by the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, volunteer activities will run from 9 to noon followed by a celebratory lunch at 12:30 in Venable gym.

In Pittsfield, the day will start off with a breakfast and keynote speech by Charles Redd, Berkshire Health System's diversity, equity and inclusion officer and a BCC alum, from 8 to 9 at First United Methodist Church. This will be followed volunteer activities and a luncheon at 12:30 back at the church. The day of service is being sponsored by Berkshire Community College and the Berkshire chapter of the NAACP.

Volunteers in North Berkshire will choose from more than 10 sites and activities, including Louison House, Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires, weatherization for homes, food collection sites, and projects in the gym. There will be projects suitable for all ages and abilities. This year, the CHP Mobile Health Van will be on site offering free balance checks and vaccinations.

The luncheon and community celebration will include enjoy local entertainment and speakers, and the presentation of the annual Peacemaker Award to Mary Lou Accetta, who has advocated for the community since her first days as a volunteer at Mary Jezyk Sunshine Park at the age of 13.

Acetta has been a member of the North Adams School Committee, a director of inclusive education and curriculum and special education coordinator in the North Adams Public Schools, director of student services at McCann Technical School and an instructor in the education department at MCLA.

It has been three years since residents last gathered in person for the annual Day of Service to celebrate the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Volunteers can register here or by call NBCC at 413-663-7588.

Those wishing to volunteer in Pittsfield can chose between painting the Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity house at 58 Gordon St., playing bingo with members at Soldier On, taking part in youth activities at the Boys & Girls Club and making cards for first responders at the church. Wrap up and lunch is from 12:30 to 1:15.

Tags: MLK Day,

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

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
03:33PM / Friday, October 16, 2026

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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