Thunder 18U Team Reaches Tourney Final in N.H.

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LONDONDERRY, N.H. – The Greylock Thunder 18U travel softball team Sunday reached the title game of the New England Fusion College Showcase.
 
After going 3-1 in pool play over the weekend, the Thunder started Sunday with a 4-0 win over the Vermont Storm in the bracket play opener.
 
Marlee Arnhold struck out five in a complete-game, five-inning win in the circle.
 
Paxton Ebling doubled, and Evelyn Julieano, Kenadi Arnhold and Marlee Arnhold each drove in a run in a five-hit Thunder attack.
 
That set up a game against the host New England Fusion.
 
Greylock jumped on top early with a four-run first inning and held off the Fusion’s comeback bid late to advance to the final.
 
Grace Julieano and Izabela Tart each doubled, and Evelyn Julieano and Marlee Arnhold each had a pair of hits to pace the offense.
 
Emma Lemire went the full six innings in the circle, not allowing an earned run and striking out a pair.
 
In the title game, the Vermont Storm prevailed, 7-3.
 
Abby Soto went 2-for-2 with a double, and Ebling was 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the Thunder’s offense.
 
Marlee Arnhold allowed four earned runs and struck out one in six innings of work in the circle.
 
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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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