Berkshire County is having a variety of events this weekend including festivals, concerts, and more.
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Editor’s Pick
Berkshire Pride Festival
The Common Park, Pittsfield
The annual Berkshire Pride Festival returns this weekend to provide the LGBTQIA-plus community a chance to be prideful of who they are and allies a chance to show their support.
Throughout the weekend there will be various events including a pride night, an art walk, a dance party, and more.
The pride parade will kick off at Saturday at 11 a.m. on Eagle Street and head directly into the Common, where there will be vendors and performance on the main stage.
Classic southern rock band Atlanta Rhythm Section will be performing on the main stage. Tickets cost $40 to $65. More information here.
First Fridays Artswalk
Various Venues, Downtown Pittsfield
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
It's the first Friday of the month, which means a First Friday Art Walk is back. The event features a dozen art shows and exhibits on view at venues around downtown Pittsfield. Most of the art is on display throughout April.
The artwalk has expanded its programming to include a Art Market on Dunham Mall, live music in Persip Park, and live art demonstrations.
Harry A. Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby
Onota Lake Pavilion, Pittsfield
Time: 6 a.m. to noon.
There will be a fishing derby to raise money for the Jimmy Fund, Dana Farber Cancer Institute For Children in memory of former member of Central Berkshire Bowman & IUE Local 255 Harry A. Bateman.
No fishing license is required. Derby fee is $10 for adults and $5 for children 14 and younger. The fee includes food and beverages.
Tenor, David Guzman, and founder of Prima Music Foundation and pianist, Anastasia Dedik, will perform works by Hahn, Beach, McCrae, Turina, De Falla and De Fuentes.
The concert features a cocktail reception with light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Beer, wine and Ventort's new signature cultural cocktail, the Ventfort Vesper in collaboration with Berkshire Mountain Distillers, will be served.
Berkshire Lyrics will perform Brahms German Requiem. Tickets cost $35. More information here.
Free Pride Concert on the Terrace
The Mount, Lenox
Time: 5:30
The Pamela Means Jazz Project performs originals, jazzed-up classic covers, and Great American Songbook jazz standards from the 1930s-1950s. Bring a blanket or seating; picnics welcome but no alcohol. Small bites and adult beverages will be available for purchase. Leashed pets are invited.
The Berkshire International Film Festival kicks off this Thursday and will run through June 4th.
The event features screenings and discussions from filmmakers and actors including award-winning actor, Stephen Lang, food writer Ruth Reichl, and more.
The North Adams market returns with its first market of the summer, rain or shine, offering produce, baked goods and more. The Hoosac Harvest annual Seedling Swap will also be there (if you miss it on Friday night on Eagle Street). You don't need to bring seedlings to swap to take some home; bring a tray in which to collect your new plant babies. Lighten Up Trio performs from 10 to noon.
Powered by Roots Rising, the market is open every Saturday rain or shine.
Each week the market will have fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, along with meat, eggs, cheese, baked goods by local vendors. Participants can shop for flowers, and artisan goods while listening to music and participate in family activities.
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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."
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. click for more
That was the list of grievances that current and former tenants of the North Adams Housing Authority's high rise laid before the City Council on Tuesday.
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