Up Front for DeMar Race on Veterans Day

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The annual Up Front  forDeMar 5K race and 1 mile walk will be held on Veterans Day, Sunday November 10, 2024. 
 
This annual event is to raise money for the SPC Michael R DeMarsico II scholarship fund and to honor DeMarsico and all who serve and have served. 
 
According to a press release: 
 
SPC DeMarsico was killed in action on Aug. 16, 2012 while serving in Afghanistan. "DeMar" to his fellow battle buddies, served at the front of his battalion searching for IED's. The young specialist discovered 16 IEDs, saving many men in his unit, before stepping on one.
 
In the days and weeks that followed DeMarsico's death, his community came out in full support of him, his service, and his family. This annually event allows the community to continue to do that and help ensure DeMarsico and his sacrifice are not forgotten. 
 
The race begins at Veterans Memorial in North Adams at 9:00AM and ends at the American Legion. People can register online at demar.racewire.com or by contacting Eileen Sullivan at 413- 212–0445 or upfrontfordemar5k@gmail.com
 
Packet pickup and race registration will be held at the American Legion Saturday Nov. 9 4pm to 7pm and  race day registration will be available at 7:00AM at the starting line.
 
"It's been 12 years since Michael was killed in Afghanistan and it's important that we ensure his name is said, his story is told and his life honored," said race organizer Eileen Sullivan. 
 
Additional information can also be found on Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/upfrontfordemar/

Tags: DeMarsico,   race,   

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North Adams Housing Authority Director Steps Down

Staff Reports

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Jennifer Hohn, the longtime executive director of the North Adams Housing Authority (NAHA), has stepped down after 24 years with the agency.

The Berkshire Eagle reported that Hohn resigned from her position on Thursday. The NAHA Board of Commissioners is currently developing a transition plan.

Her resignation follows rising tension between Hohn and the tenants association. Residents—particularly at the Spring and Ashland Park apartments—have raised specific concerns regarding building security, drug activity, and trespassers.

This summer, Tenants Association President Corey Fortin posted a video on social media demonstrating that door alarms in some of the buildings were not functioning.

Shortly after the video was posted, the tenants association's office was locked. Members alleged Hohn locked the space in retaliation, while Hohn maintained it was a matter of tenant safety. Hohn also stated that NAHA does not officially recognize the association because it has yet to go through official channels for certification—a claim the tenants association disputes.

The dispute culminated in plans for a formal grievance hearing between Hohn and the association. Both sides agreed to hold a meeting on Oct. 3, but the hearing had not yet been scheduled at the time of her resignation.
During her tenure as director, Hohn oversaw significant changes at NAHA, including expansion and the dissolution of Housing Opportunities Incorporated, a program founded over 30 years ago to assist first-time homebuyers. Most recently, she led efforts to transition NAHA properties from traditional public housing models to the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. She also directed the rebuilding of a Greylock Valley Apartments building after it was severely damaged by a fire.

The NAHA Board of Commissioners meets monthly, typically on Mondays.

 

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