HooRWA to Host Free Screening of 'Dark Waters' and PFAS Discussion

12:41PM / Wednesday, March 18, 2026Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Hoosic River Watershed Association (HooRWA) is scheduled to host a free public screening of "Dark Waters" on Tuesday, March 24, at 6:00 p.m.

The event, held at the UNO Community Center at 157 River Street, focuses on the environmental and health impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

According to a press release, "Dark Waters" chronicles the legal battle led by attorney Robert Bilott against the chemical company DuPont regarding pollution in West Virginia.

Following the film, environmental public health scientist Rye Howard will conduct a Q&A session. Howard, the owner of Bear & Bee Books in North Adams, served as an expert witness in the original case against DuPont and specializes in toxicology and research translation.

The program is supported by a grant from the Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire and the Mass Cultural Council, with additional support for refreshments provided by the Williams College Zilkha Center for Environmental Initiatives.

Organizers have set an inclement weather date for Tuesday, March 31. While the event is free and open to the public, HooRWA requests that attendees register in advance at HooRWA.org to assist with logistical planning.

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North Adams Housing Authority Director Steps Down

Staff Reports09:16AM / Friday, October 09, 2026

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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