North Adams Council On Aging Elder Law Presentation

10:58AM / Wednesday, May 06, 2026Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Local seniors can learn about Elder Law issues at a free event hosted by the North Adams Council on Aging on May 13, 2026 beginning at 10AM at the Mary Spitzer Center.

The event is part of the statewide Elder Law Education Program presented by the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA). It corresponds with the publication of the revised and expanded "2026 Elder Law Education Guide," the 17th edition of the resource guide, which is available at the Mary Spitzer Center and online at the MBA's companion website, www.massbar.org/elderlaw

Among the topics discussed at in-person and virtual events throughout the commonwealth this year are Veteran Affairs Financial Benefits, how to protect your home and assets, power of attorney and health care proxies, reverse mortgages, Homestead and Life Estates, Medicare/Medicaid changes, and alternatives to nursing home care.

The Elder Law Education Program matches attorneys from the MBA and the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) with more than 70 councils on aging or senior centers throughout the state to make free presentations about the law.

Volunteer attorneys have participated in the Elder Law Education Program since 1987. Past topics have touched on the Homestead Act, estate planning and long-term health insurance. The program is presented with the generous assistance and continued collaboration of the Massachusetts Chapter of NAELA.

For more information about the event at the Mary Spitzer Center presentation on May 13, 2026, contact Pat Lescarbeau at 413-662-3125 or email spitzercntr4@yahoo.com

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

Save & Earn with Greylock

3.30% APY 6-month certificate. Click to learn more! Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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.

View Full Story