image description — First Congregational Church nearly doubled its fundraising goal to support four local nonprofits, from left, Sue Wells of Many Forks Farm, Mark Rondeau of the Friendship Center Food Pantry, the church's Linda Rhoads and Matthew Alcombright of Berkshire Food Project.

North Adams Church Surpasses Share the Love Campaign Goal

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
12:46PM / Sunday, April 05, 2026Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The First Congregational Church blew through its $10,000 goal, raising a total of $17,600 during its annual "Share the Love" campaign.

"It is just so touching for us. I think it says a great amount about the community," said Linda Rhoads of the Missions MInistry. "And the business community has really been so helpful. We want to have an influence in the community, and we are a small enough congregation that, even with a small amount of money, we are able to spread it around with this campaign."

The Berkshire Food Project, the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry, Louison House, and Greenagers at Many Forks Farm were each gifted $4,400.

"We always need money, and we appreciate the church doing this for us," said Mark Rondeau, food pantry president. "... It is very generous."

Sue Wells of Many Forks Farm said the funding allows more children to have access to their program.

"This church is all about community and kindness and helping others," she said. "It makes it so families can send their kids to our farm program at no cost. So this is huge for us."

The Valentine's Day-themed matching fundraiser ran through February, inviting donations from community members and businesses. In total, the public raised $12,100, which the church bolstered with its $5,000 match. Last year, the campaign raised just over $9,000.

Berkshire Food Project Executive Director Matthew Alcombright said the need in the area is always growing and shared his gratitude for the church’s community outreach.

"Food insecurity is a growing problem," he said. "SNAP benefits are back, but food prices are up, gas prices, everything. From the Food Project perspective, we're seeing an increase in numbers right now, like we did when SNAP was shut off. Our numbers are skyrocketing once again, so this is incredible for the church to do this."

Rhoads attributed the increased success to better promotion of the campaign raffle, which allowed donors to win prizes provided by local businesses. She also noted the impact of social media promotion and a few unexpected, larger contributions.

"We had a couple of surprises," she said. "A couple of big gifts. You can't ever count on that, but we were surprised."

Tags: church activities, food, fundraiser,

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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
03:33PM / Friday, October 16, 2026

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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