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The hornet behind the bleachers at McCann Technical School.
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The large screen allows for presentations and updates during games and other events.
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The School Committee got to see some of the graphics and images that can be portrayed on the screen.
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The school's main entrance welcomes everyone to 'The Hive.'

McCann Tech Debuts New Look for Mascot, Gym

Staff ReportsiBerkshires Staff
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The new hornet mascot with the M and T incorporated into the look. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — McCann Technical School has made some dramatic changes to its gym over the past few months. 
 
A giant hornet peeks over the bleachers and a "jumbotron" calls out stats and cheers. 
 
Superintendent James Brosnan took the School Committee to check out the new look after Thursday's meeting.
 
The colors are black and green and the school's hornet mascot now incorporates a stylized M and T for McCann Tech. The new wall padding is black with the hornet logo and "Welcome to the Hive" on it and the wall behind the bleachers is painted in the new colors.
 
The large screen is directly across from the bleachers and the demonstration for the committee had images and information of each member of the boys' basketball team (practicing that night) along with cheers "to get the crowd going," said Brosnan.
 
The superintendent said the school didn't have a place where it could do presentations or other schoolwide audiovisual gatherings because it didn't have an auditorium.
 
"This gives us a place to come together," he said.
 
The new decor also includes the front entrance, where the wall has been painted McCann green with "Welcome to the Hive" signage.
 
The equipment and signage was paid for through a combination of grants and budget expenditures.

Tags: branding,   mascot,   McCann,   

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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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