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Weekend Outlook: Storytimes, Tribute Bands and Nightwood

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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There are several events this weekend, including an immersive installation, live music, and book activities. See a list of upcoming bazaars, craft fairs and markets here.
 
Editor's Pick
 
Nightwood
The Mount, Lenox
Nov. 22 to Jan. 4: Weekends and Select Weekdays from 5 to 8 p.m.
 
The grounds of Edith Wharton's home is once again decked out with lights and music to provide an immersive experience to its visitors.
 
This year, discover a new trail that takes you deeper into the woods, plus several new encounters that explore the lifecycle of trees. 
 
Tickets are free for community partners and EBT, WIC or ConnectorCare Card holders as part of the museum's NightWood Card to Culture program. 
 
Adults ages 19-plus are $27, youth between 13 and 18 are $12, and children 12 and under are free. More information can be found here. 
 
Multiple Days 
 
Story Walk for 'Night Owl Night' by Susan Edwards Richmond
Housatonic Flats in Great Barrington
Dawn to dusk until Dec. 29.
 
This self-guided adventure focuses on owl conservation through a mother-daughter story. More information here. 
 
Clue: On Stage Performance 
Drury High School, North Adams
Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. 
 
The school's theater department will be performing the farce-meets-murder mystery "Clue: On Stage." Tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens and $10 for adults. Tickets will be available at the door.
 
More information here. 
 
Friday
 
Talking Heads Tribute Band Performs 
The Stationery Factory, Dalton
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
 
Start Making Sense, will be recreating tunes from Talking Heads, featuring front man Jon Braun as David Byrne. The group aims to deliver a lively and danceable performance celebrating the new-wave art punk era of the '80s. 
 
The show will also include an opening performance by Evan Jennison, who blends folk, rock, bluegrass, jam, and country.  
 
Tickets range from $27.38 to $32.64. More information here. 
 
Visible: 2023 Berkshire Art Association Biennial
Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Pittsfield
Time: 11 to 3 p.m.
 
The "Visible" installation will conclude this Friday. Artists make moments in time visible, drawing the viewer into time and space and making the unseen a visible experience. 
 
More information here. 
 
Saturday
 
The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow 10-Year Anniversary Tour
The Stationery Factory, Dalton
Time: 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
 
The collaborative five singer-songwriters band Whiskey Treaty Roadshow will be performing Americana, rock, and folk music. 
 
Tickets cost $27.38 to $79.91. More information here. 
 
Ghosts of the Berkshires Book Talk 
North Adams Public Library
Time: 5:30 p.m. 
 
Author and ghost tour guide Robert Oakes will share ghost stories from Berkshire County, focusing on locations like the Hoosac Tunnel and Houghton Mansion. 
 
The event will take place in the front parlor. No registration is required, and books will be available for sale and signing. 
 
More information here. 
 
Dance Party Fundraiser
Becket Arts Center
Time: 7 to 9 p.m. 
 
Local band D-Rod and the Uprising will be performing to help the center raise funds for its Music Brings Communities Together summer concert series. 
 
The fundraiser is open to all ages. Beverages and light refreshments will be available for purchase. Tickets are $10. 
 
More information here. 
 
Sunday
 
Thanksgiving Gobbler Games 
Berkshire Dream Center, Pittsfield 
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
 
There will be turkey cookies, turkey games, turkey sports, and turkey prizes. One child will walk away with the title of "Biggest Turkey." Open to all kids ages 5 to 12. No registration is required. 
 
More information here. 
 
Barre and Brews
Hot Plate Brewing Co., Pittsfield
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 
 
Jillian from On Pointe Barre will lead a one-hour barre workout, which is a low-impact, ballet-inspired exercise focusing on small movements and isometric holds. 
 
Participants can enjoy a pint of beer afterward. There is an optional $5 donation at registration for Pittsfield Area Council of Congregations Emergency Fuel Fund or donate directly here. 
 
The class welcomes all experience levels, and attendees should bring a mat. However, they must be 21 or older to participate. More information here. 
 
Pancake Breakfast
Holiday Brook Farm, Dalton
Time: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
 
The farm is hosting a pancake breakfast every Sunday in November.
 
The all-you-can-eat buffet includes pancakes, eggs, hash browns, sausage, and more. Free kids' crafts and wagon rides are available, weather permitting. 
 
Pricing is $16.95 for adults, and kids aged 2 to 12 pay their age. More information here. 

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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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