From staff reports
Several area agencies, organizations and schools have canceled or postponed events as a result of the coronavirus.
Other area facilities, including YMCAs and libraries, have been forced to make changes in operations due to the virus.
Here is a rundown:
Dan Flaherty, executive director of the Library Association, said the call to close the branches came from the state library association, which urged libraries to close immediately in conjunction with the state-wide closure of schools.
– YMCAs in Oil City and Clarion County, as well as YMCA Camp Coffman, will remain open. Services the organization will continue include child care, after school program, child watch, smart starts, birthday parties and pool rentals. The preschool program at Clarion will also remain open.
Swim lessons, water exercise classes, Bingo, personal training, group exercise, cardiac rehab and Healthy Friends programs will be postponed beginning Monday. All youth and adult sports programs, youth clubs and team sports will also be postponed starting Monday.
– Child Development Centers Head Start classes have been canceled for Monday in Venango, Crawford and Erie counties while the organization “takes time to further evaluate the latest developments” regarding the spread of the virus.
The closure is only effective for Monday at this time. All other programs will operate on a normal schedule Monday and the centers will remain open.
– Oil City High School has canceled SAT tests scheduled today.
– Starlite Xpress Baton Group registration set for Thursday at the Polk fire hall has been canceled for now. Registration will be rescheduled on a date to be determined.
– The Route 8 Rivalry vs. Cancer alumni basketball game scheduled March 27 at Oil City High School has been postponed indefinitely.
– Franklin High School has canceled its annual “Musical Broadcast,” which had been scheduled for Friday night and tonight. Band director Steve Johnston said the program will be rescheduled.
– Drake Well Museum and Park will follow the directives developed in conjunction with Gov. Tom Wolf’s office, the state Department of Health and the Department of General Services.
This means group events, tours and facility rentals are canceled through the end of April.
The museum will continue to welcome visitors in a self-guided manner during regular business hours, but people should call (814) 827-2797 to confirm hours of operation, which may be adjusted as circumstances evolve.
The training hasn’t been rescheduled, but Central Electric said it will set a new date when it is deemed safe to do so.
Questions may be directed to (800) 521-0570.
– The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has canceled all public programs, events and training at state parks and forests for the remainder of March and for April.
The cancellation applies to all public educational programs, special events such as races and festivals, and teacher and other trainings. Overnight accommodations such as tent camping, cabins and camping cottages will remain open.
Fishing will continue to be allowed at state parks and forests.
– The Clarion BBQ Festival, originally scheduled May 15-17, has been canceled.
The planning committee is planning to reschedule the event.
All fees and donations will be returned to vendors, sponsors, patrons and donors.
