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Weekend Outlook: Valentines Dances & Glow Forests

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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There are several events this weekend to help you recharge from your week, including a dance, live music, and animal photo-ops. 
 
Multiple Days
 
Valentine's Day Dance
Cheshire Community House 
Friday and Saturday 
 
Put your dancing shoes on and bring your loved ones for a night of dancing to celebrate Valentine's Day. Tickets to this semi-formal event are $10. More information here. 
 
'Dreamscapes' Journey Into Nature
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Stockbridge
Feb. 7 through 23; Tuesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 
Berkshire Botanical Garden is kicking off its 2025 Art/Garden exhibitions this Friday with an opening reception of its news exhibit 'Dreamscapes' Journey Into Nature. 
 
Artists with the Guild of Berkshire Artists challenged themselves to interpret their concept of what nature means to them. This galley is the result. 
 
The gallery will be on view in the Leonhardt Galleries until Feb. 23. More information here. 
 
 
 
 
Friday 
 
North Adams First Friday 
Downtown North Adams
Time: 5 to 8 p.m. 
 
Show your love for North Adams by participating in its monthly celebration featuring several events, including opening receptions for art shows or installations, live music, and an after-party. Participating businesses will also have extended hours. More information here. 
 
 
'Glow Forest' Exhibit
Galley Labs, North Adams
 
Part of the North Adams First Friday event is an opening reception for the new exhibit Glow Forest. The exhibit features glow-in-the-dark face painting and tattoos by Amelia Wood. The dress code is neon or white colors.  More information here. 
 
 
 
 
Karaoke
Cove Bowling and Entertainment Inc., Great Barrington 
Time: 9 p.m. 
 
Warm up at the bowling alley and sing your favorite tunes. More information here. 
 
Karaoke
VFW Post 996, North Adams
Time: 9 p.m. 
 
Don't live in South County? No worries, there is karaoke in North County, too. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 996 is opening its doors to provide residents the opportunity to sing. More information here. 
 
Windows and Doors
Dottie's Coffee Lounge, Pittsfield
Time: 7 p.m. 
 
Local nonprofit WordXWord is holding a story-sharing event centered around the theme "Windows & Doors." 
 
This free event will feature a range of true, first-person stories that are told, not read. 
 
More information here. Spots are limited.
 
 
Saturday
 
Glow Sound Baths  
43 Eagle St., North Adams 
Time: 4:45
 
There will be a 'Glow Sound Bath' by Sarah and Sonia Cohe. Attendees are welcome to bring a blanket or yoga mat for comfort. More information here. 
 
After the Sound Bath, there will be hot tea, cacao, and an acoustic guitar concert by Abigail Dustin at 6:30 p.m. 
 
Book Release Celebration
Sohn Fine Art, Lenox
Time: 4 p.m. 
 
There will be a celebration for the release of a limited edition book "To the Land of Cockaigne."
 
Artist Anne Mourier will present a poetic narrative about a woman's journey after the death of her loved one as she navigates loss and joy through the Mediterranean, reflecting on the challenges women face. 
 
Only be 25 copies will be available, each on a handmade box designed with Aaron Freed, printed on substrates by Sohn Fine Art, and bound by Joelle Webber. The box includes a one-of-a-kind 5x7-inch photograph by the artist. 
 
For those unable to attend, an audio recording of the reading will be available for purchase. More information here. 
 
 
Smooch the Pooch Kissing Booth 
Roxie's Barkery, North Adams 
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
 
The pet supply store is inviting people to get their photo taken with their furry baby in its handmade kissing booth. 
 
There will also be a pop-up from GoodLife Sweets & Treats till 2 p.m., which will be selling Valentine's-themed baked goods. 
 
More information here. 
 
Zep and Co. 
The Stationery Factory, Dalton 
Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 
 
There will be an electrifying rock experience, merging music by Led Zeppelin and Bad Company, with a performance by band Zep and Co. 
 
Tickets range from $27.38 to $32.64. More information here. 
 
Sunday 
 
Cabin Fever Story Time
Mount Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center, Lanesborough
Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m. 
 
Relax by a hearth fire for an hour as park interpreter and folklore fan Mike tells stories of the mountain's past, including legendary fisherman Dave Lilly, the Boys of Bob's Hill, snowshoe hare and the Mysterious Spirit Woman, and many more.
 
The free event will include complimentary hot chocolate will be provided. More information here.
 
Public Skate
Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires, Pittsfield
Time: 3 p.m. 
 
Skate at the club's ice skating rink. Tickets are cash only and cost $5 for members and $10 for non-members and adults
 
Skate rentals are free. Space is limited. More information here. 
 
Super Bowl Party 
Original Seed Cigar & Lounge, Adams 
Time: 6 to 10 p.m. 
 
Watch the Super Bowl while having discounts on every cigar brand in the shop, while chowing down on pizza and wings. More information here. 
 
Ranch Pre-Valentine's Day Photo-Op
Berkshire HorseWorks Inc., Richmond
Time: 11 a.m. 
 
Take a photo with the ranch's rescued horses and donkeys while having hot cocoa and cookies. There is a suggested donation of $25 to support the rescue herd. 
 
There is also an opportunity to participate in a raffle for a chance to win an equine activity at Berkshire HorseWorks.
 
Call 413-698-3700 or email info@berkshirehorseworks.com for more information. Information can also be found here. 
 
Animal Support Projects: Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras
Benson's Pet Center, Pittsfield
Time: noon to 3 p.m. 
 
Benson's Pet Center will be providing people a photo op with their furry babies. 
 
For a $10 donation, pet parents can bring home a 4-by-6-inch framed keepsake. This month's participants can choose between a Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras theme. 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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