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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Letter: Mitts Will Work for the People
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor:
It is a pleasure to endorse Marybeth Mitts as the next representative to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the Third Berkshire District.
As an independent candidate with an impressive public service background, I believe she will truly commit herself to working "For The People" and be responsive to the very important needs of all the constituents in our district.
Her opponent may have multiple endorsements; however, many are entrenched politicians that one cannot even get through to or receive any response from when problems that need to be addressed are brought to their attention. I know this from personal experience in highly important areas, i.e., internet access, severe housing problems and abuse of elderly and disabled individuals, of which I am one.
I think it is crucial for voters to vote for the person and what they stand for and the work they have done leading to their becoming a candidate.
I hope you will join me (as I have already done) and vote for Marybeth Mitts.
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