MountainOne Distributes Donations, Sponsorships to Nonprofits

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — MountainOne announced that in the third and fourth quarters of 2025, it distributed $363,200  in donations and sponsorships to not-for-profit organizations across the Berkshires, Pioneer Valley, and the South Shore.
 
In Berkshire County:
 
The Berkshire Innovation Center – $10,000 to serve as the MountainOne Pavilion sponsor, supporting workforce development, innovation programming, and career pathways in advanced manufacturing and technology.
 
ServiceNet, Inc. – $10,000 to support the launch of The First, a collaborative daytime community resource center in downtown Pittsfield providing meals, hygiene services, and personalized resource navigation to help individuals experiencing housing instability move toward long-term stability and independence.
 
Williamstown Rural Lands – $5,000 as Lead Sponsor of the Fall Benefit and Auction, supporting the organization's 40th anniversary celebration and helping maximize funds raised for land conservation, stewardship, and community engagement in Williamstown.
 
1Berkshire – $5,000 to serve as Lead Sponsor of the annual Fall Foliage Parade in North Adams, fostering community connection, local pride, and vibrant downtown activity through a beloved seasonal event.
 
Elizabeth Freeman Center – $2,500 to sponsor the Rise Together Walk and fundraiser, supporting critical survivor services including the 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, legal and housing advocacy, and economic empowerment programs serving Berkshire County.
 
North Adams Veterans Services. – $2,500 to cover the cost of engraving names of additional veterans to the Veterans' Memorial Park. The park stands as a place of reflection and gratitude, reminding us of the sacrifices of our veterans.
 
MountainOne also continued its support of cultural and educational institutions within the Berkshires, including commitments to MASS MoCA and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. 
 
These contributions align with broader, multi-year capital campaign efforts and reflect MountainOne's long-term investment in regional vitality. 
 
"It is our privilege to support the work of organizations that uplift, empower, and enrich the communities we serve," said Brenda Petell, Vice President of Community Engagement. "These outstanding nonprofits represent just a portion of the many organizations we support throughout the year to help drive positive work in our communities."

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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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