CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The governor's orders issued this week restricting gatherings means that Clarksburg public buildings won't be reopening any time soon.
The Select Board, in a brief emergency meeting on Tuesday morning, voted to keep the library, Town Hall and Community Center closed indefinitely effective Nov. 4.
The reopening had been dependent upon getting the square footage of the buildings to determine the occupancy levels. The governor's orders, effective Friday, Nov. 6, are that personal can have a maximum of 10 people and event venues 25, as along as 6 feet of social distancing is maintained.
Board member Danielle Luchi asked that the motion allow the library to continue its curbside operations.
"I know they like have their trustees help out at the library and now I just want to make sure, hopefully, that they're being cautious and keeping it under 10 people," she said.
Chairman Ronald Boucher did not see it as an issue since the library had been functioning this way for a while.
The Town Hall reopening would mainly have affected access to the Selectmen's Meeting Room since most operations are being done by phone, email and secure drop box. However, the Council on Aging had been hoping to reopen the Community Center for activities for small groups of seniors.
The date was set for Nov. 4 because of the general election being held (today) Tuesday; the polls are open at the Community Center until 8 p.m.
A message was sent to boards and department heads about the decision. Luchi asked that signs be posted as well.
"Town officials want to be sure we continue to remain cautious in order to keep everyone as safe as possible," the message reads. "Please share with members of your respective boards and committees."
"It's just better to be cautious, you know," Boucher said. "We've gone this long, a bit longer won't kill us."
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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction.
Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.
Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.
"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."
The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.
"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.
She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.
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