Northern Berkshire MLK Jr. Day of Service

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Committee invites the public to the annual Northern Berkshire MLK Jr. Day of Service to celebrate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with this annual day of volunteering. 

Gather Monday, Jan. 15, as the Northern Berkshire community celebrates the life, principles, and ideals of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by participating in a "Day of Service." A celebratory luncheon will follow.

The celebration begins at 8:30 a.m. at MCLA's Church Street Center with coffee and pastries. Volunteer site service will take place from approximately 9:30 a.m. to noon. 

This is a family-friendly event and there are projects appropriate for all ages and abilities. Participants will choose from numerous sites to provide service to the community, including: Louison House, Sweetwood, Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires, weatherization for homes, meal prep/delivery sites, ROOTs Teen Center, as well as projects onsite at the Church Street Center, like mitten, blanket and card making.

Participants will return to the Church Street Center at 12:30pm to share a free luncheon and community celebration, enjoy local entertainment and hear uplifting words in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. The annual Peacemaker Award will be presented during the lunchtime celebration. 
 
This year, the MLK Jr. Day of Service announced the annual Peacemaker Award will be given to Reverend Mary Frances Curns.
 
This "A Day On, Not a Day Off" event is free and everyone in the community is encouraged to volunteer and celebrate our Northern Berkshire community. Volunteers can pre-register online at https://bit.ly/MLK_day_2024 or by calling the NBCC at 413-663-7588.

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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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