Editor’s Note: The following is a list of future event cancellations as of 6 p.m. on Thursday. If your event has been cancelled and you’d like it publicized, email news@recorder.com.
Franklin County’s towns are preparing for the possible spread of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. As of now, there are no confirmed cases within the county, but towns are taking precautionary measures and holding ongoing discussions.
During a Selectboard meeting Wednesday, Chair Robert Raymond said the town will stop allowing the Bernardston Elementary School building to be used for events outside of regular school use. Senior Center Director Hayley Bolton requested the upcoming four-town meeting, which is scheduled to be held at the Senior Center on March 23, be moved to a different location or postponed.
Bolton noted that elderly residents, and people with compromised immune systems, are at a greater risk of danger from COVID-19. She said the Senior Center does not want to keep senior members away from the center, and staff will conduct extra cleaning and sanitation. They will be scaling back on non-essential programming, but meal programs are still running.
Leyden
The town caucus has been canceled. Selectboard Chair Jeffrey Neipp said the town made the decision Wednesday evening, after considering the precautionary guidelines released by the state that recommend large gatherings and events be canceled.
“Leyden is getting prepared,” Neipp said.
According to Neipp, Police Chief Dan Galvis acquired protective Hazmat gear for first responders. While there are no cases in town, Neipp said Leyden is looking into the process of declaring a state of emergency as a precaution. This would allow government agencies to implement emergency plans or provide needed medical supplies.
■The city of Greenfield has canceled its free workshop for landlords, which was scheduled for Monday.
■The Montague Democrats have indefinitely suspended its March 18 caucus to elect representatives to the Massachusetts Democratic Convention, per instructions from the state party, according to Montague Democrats Chair Mark Wisnewski.
■All upcoming Pioneer Valley Regional School travel and field trips are canceled for the foreseeable future.
■The musical production of “Cinderella” at Pioneer, originally scheduled for March 20, is canceled. Pioneer English teacher Brian Campbell said the students hope to take the stage at the end of the year, if possible.
■Northfield’s Neighbors at Home announced it will postpone next week’s members luncheon at the Crumpin-Fox Club.
■Bernardston’s Climate Change Resilience Workshop, scheduled for March 24, is canceled. The workshop will be rescheduled, but no date has been set.
■The Unitarian Church of Bernardston has canceled this month’s roast beef dinner.
■A performance by the Hampton Trio at the Great Falls Coffeehouse in Turners Falls set for Friday has been canceled, according to Dawn Marvin Ward.
■Stage on Main in Orange has suspended all events until April 1, 2020.
For the latest information concerning COVID-19, visit: Mass.gov or CDC.gov.