MountainOne Brings a Day of Summer Fun to Camp Russell

08:02AM / Saturday, September 26, 2026Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — MountainOne's Mo, the MountainOne Spokesgoat, visited Camp Russell this summer with a giant tiger bounce house, popsicles, a storybook reading.

This year, MountainOne donated $7,150 to the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires, supporting the Club's Annual Golf Tournament and scholarships that helped more children experience a summer at Camp Russell.

"Camp Russell is all about giving kids a place to have fun, make friends, try new things, and create memories, and we wanted our visit to add a little something special to their summer," said Brenda Petell, Vice President of Community Engagement at MountainOne. "Seeing the campers running to the bounce house, meeting Mo, and enjoying the time together was a wonderful reminder of why supporting organizations like the Boys & Girls Club matters."

Campers spent the morning with MountainOne and enjoyed the giant tiger bounce house, popsicles, and a special visit from Mo before joining him for a reading from MountainOne's award-winning storybook series. Following the reading, each camper received a backpack with a copy of the featured book, a piggy bank, and a Mo plushie to take home.

The storybook reading was part of MountainOne's ongoing program designed to introduce young readers to lessons such as saving, work ethic, perseverance, and teamwork. The complimentary program is offered to schools, libraries, and community organizations throughout the region.

"We're grateful for MountainOne's continued support of the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires," said Joseph McGovern, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires. "Their support of Camp Russell helps create meaningful experiences for the kids we serve, and we're proud to have MountainOne as a dedicated community partner."

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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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