Back to School Starts in the Driveway

Presented by T&M Automotive01:00PM / Friday, September 04, 2026Print Story | Email Story

7 Things Every Berkshire Family Should Check Before the School-Year Rush

Back-to-school season means more than backpacks, school supplies and new schedules. Between school drop-offs, practices, weekend games and busy family calendars, your vehicle plays a big role in keeping everyone moving all year long.

Before the school-year rush kicks into high gear, the team at T&M Automotive recommends getting your vehicle checked now so you can drive with confidence all year long.

1. Check Your Brakes

More stop-and-go driving and busy school zones put extra stress on your brakes. If you hear squealing or grinding, or feel a vibration when braking, don't wait to have them checked. Catching a brake problem early can help keep your family safe and prevent more expensive repairs later.

2. Inspect Your Tires

Check your tire tread depth and tire pressure — including the spare. Properly inflated tires with adequate tread improve safety, handling and fuel efficiency, especially as fall weather and wet roads arrive in the Berkshires.

3. Don't Ignore Warning Lights

That check-engine light or tire-pressure warning light probably isn't going to disappear on its own. Addressing a small issue now can prevent a bigger and more costly problem later — and reduce the chances of an unexpected breakdown during a busy school week.

4. Get an Oil Change if You're Due

Summer road trips and extra miles can add up quickly. Fresh oil helps keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently. If you're approaching your recommended oil-change interval, back-to-school season is a good time to take care of it.

5. Check Your Shocks and Suspension

Worn shocks and other suspension components can affect your vehicle's handling, braking and tire wear — particularly on Berkshire County roads. If your vehicle feels unusually bouncy, rough or difficult to control, it's worth having the suspension inspected.

6. Make Sure You're Inspection-Ready

Massachusetts vehicle inspections help keep cars and trucks safe and road-ready. Check your inspection sticker. If your inspection is coming due, scheduling it before the fall rush can save you one more thing to worry about later.

7. Think Ahead to Winter

It may seem early, but fall is the perfect time to start preparing your vehicle for another Berkshire winter. Check your battery, wipers, fluids and tires before the cold weather arrives. A little preparation now can save you stress — and potentially money — when the first snow hits.

Back to School. Back on the Road.

You checked the backpacks. You bought the school supplies. Did you check the car?

A simple back-to-school vehicle checkup can help identify problems before they interfere with your family's already-busy schedule.

T&M Automotive is here to help Berkshire families start the school year safe and ready.

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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