Response to Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19

Please click here for the complete Covid-Care Plan for Before School, After School and Preschool. 

UPDATE, EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 26, 2022:

• Masks are optional for all staff and members.
  
• Any individual who wishes to wear a mask may do so and will be supported in that choice. It is a family’s responsibility to communicate that choice to the program.  Parents should communicate their wishes to their child.
  
  
• Masks will still be required in the following scenarios for staff and for those involved in childcare programs:
  • Upon return to the Club after a five-day isolation period after testing positive for Covid-19.  Masks must be worn on days 6-10 with the exception of while eating, drinking, napping, or outdoors.
  • Upon returning to the Club after a five-day quarantine due to identification as a close contact outside of the childcare program.  Mask must be worn on days 6-10 with the exception of while eating, drinking, napping or outdoors.
  • If participating in the Rapid Cohort Testing option.  Masks must be worn for a full 10 days while participating in the Rapid Cohort Testing option after being identified as a close contact while in the childcare program.  Exceptions will be during eating, drinking, napping, or outside.
  • School Age children will need to have a mask with them to wear on the bus to and from school.
  • If a child or staff becomes symptomatic (see sick policy) while in care they may be asked to wear a mask.
  • Please see the complete Covid-Care Plan above for more details about mask requirements for licensed childcare programs.

•  There is no longer a spectator limitation for athletic programs.

Free PCR Testing:

Dear LBGC Families and Ludlow Community Members,

The Ludlow Boys & Girls Club is offering FREE Self-Administered PCR COVID Testing in partnership with Bioanalysis Diagnostic Laboratories.

The test is available to everyone at NO COST whether or not you have insurance or ID.

Below is information as to how this will work:

1. Pick up your test kit at the main entrance of the Ludlow Boys & Girls Club
2. Collect your sample at home or in your car by following the instructions outlined in this video: Here is a Link to the Sample Collection Instructions
   • Tests must be taken within 24 hours of drop off. All tests must be refrigerated between time of self-administration and drop off (max. 24 hours)
3. Complete the Form 103, inculded in the test kit, by following the instructions outlined in this video: This video (in English) shows how to complete the Form 103

4. Refrigerate your sample (up to one night only) if need be.
5. Drop off your sample along with your Form 103 at the Ludlow Boys & Girls Club on Tuesday or Friday before 11 am at the membership desk.
6. Results will be ready the next day. Participants will only be notified of a positive result!

PLEASE NOTE:

• The first time you submit a test sample with Form 103, the following must be included in your sample bag: a copy of an ID and a copy of your insurance card.
• The first time you fill out the Form 103, fill everything out EXCEPT the date, time and signature and make photocopies. This will save you time for future submissions!
• If a person has NO ID, please provide social security number where indicated. IF they have no ID and no social security number, the word “NONE” for ID TYPE and the word “NONE” for the ID number and social security number MUST BE WRITTEN with an initial where indicated that they have no ID.
• For children: A school ID, state ID, passport or social security number can work, or ID of parent or guardian.
• No one will ever receive a bill from their insurance. However, federal regulations require that if someone has insurance, they must provide it even though the insurance company will not bill them.

If the Form 103 is not included in your test kit, download Form 103 here: Form 103

Update: January 6, 2022

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Given the current surge in Covid positive cases and exposures, and how quickly transmission seems to be happening, quick and efficient communication of data to activate our response protocols is essential. The Club has created the online forms below that all families/caregivers will be required to complete in the event of a covid positive case or exposure.

Use this form to report that your child is COVID positive

Use this form to report that your child is a close contact as a result of a out-of-Club exposure

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

The Ludlow Boys & Girls Club

Update: January 3,2022

The MA Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) released new COVID response guidelines in response to last week's CDC guidance which shortened isolation (for positive cases) and quarantine periods (for exposure).  This guidance also aligns with LPS and the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and is effective immediately. We anticipate that there may be additional changes in the coming weeks and we will communicate them out to you as soon as possible and ask for your patience and understanding.  

Summary of new guidelines as of 1/3/2022

Individuals positive for COVID-19:

Self-isolation for COVID-19 positive cases is a minimum of 5 days after symptom onset or after positive test, if asymptomatic.  (Day 0 = symptom onset or day of positive test, if asymptomatic) 

• Return to Club on Day 6 (after a full 5 day isolation) and once they have: 
• Been without fever for 24 hours  without taking fever-reducing medications; and, 
• Experienced improvement in other symptoms. 
• Following the 5-day isolation period, individuals must continue to wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days after the end of the isolation period.
• Please note that due to the nature of our preschool program which includes prolonged periods of unmasking during rest/nap time, preschool children who test positive for COVID-19 would not be able to adhere to the defined requirements to leave isolation after 5 days and thus must isolate for the full ten (10) days before returning to the Club.

 Individuals exposed to COVID-19:

 If fully vaccinated** (primary series plus booster dose if eligible):

• No quarantine required but recommended to wear a mask around others for 10 days;
• Test on day 5 if possible;
• If symptoms develop, quarantine and get tested.

** fully vaccinated = received 2 mRNA vaccines (Moderna or Pfizer) OR 1 J&J vaccine, PLUS a booster dose if eligible

• If unvaccinated or not not fully vaccinated:
• Quarantine is at least 5 days from the exposure (Day 0 = date of the last exposure)
• Return to Club: returning on Day 6 (after a full 5 days of quarantine), provided that they: 
• Remain asymptomatic, and
• Conduct active monitoring for symptoms through day 10, self-isolate if symptoms develop, get tested
• Adhere to strict mask use for an additional 5 days. 

 For all those exposed, best practice would also include an antigen or PCR test for COVID-19 at day 5 after exposure. 

If your unvaccinated/partially vaccinated child is living in a household with someone who is positive for COVID-19 and not able to fully isolate away from the family, please keep your child at home and call/email the Club for further assistance.  This is the most challenging timeline to determine!

Update: December 21, 2021

Dear Families,

 As 2021 draws to an end, we hope you can reflect on the many blessings we have within each other and our community and join us in looking forward to a new beginning in 2022. We thank you all for your cooperation and support in keeping our children safe, happy and healthy at the Boys & Girls Club!

The Club must and will continue to adhere to health and safety protocols outlined by the MA Department of Public Health. As such, when we are notified of a COVID positive case, we are required to identify close contacts and activate mandatory protocols which include requiring close contacts to quarantine for at least seven (7) days from the date of last exposure and require a negative PCR test taken on day 5 or later, before returning on day 8 to prevent further spread within our program and our community. Each instance could impact 10-20 kids at one time causing hardship and challenges for many, especially our children.

With the surge in COVID cases, the spread of the Omicron variant, holiday activities along with the upcoming winter cold/flu season, it will be even more important to work together to minimize widespread absences of children in school, the Club and other recreational activities.

We respectfully ask of the following:

• If you plan on traveling over the holidays and/or visiting with friends and family, we encourage you to practice all safety guidelines, especially if your child is not vaccinated.
• Avoid crowded indoor places.
• Please keep your child home if:
• Your child is exhibiting ONE or more of the following symptoms – even if the symptom seems minor.

• Fever (99.0 F or higher) or chills
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Loss of taste or smell 
• Muscle or body aches
• Cough
• Sore throat 
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• If anyone in your house has a positive COVID test
• If anyone in your household has a COVID test pending
• If your child is deemed a close contact to an exposure outside of the Club

***Testing to return must be a PCR test, home tests and rapid antigen tests cannot be accepted***

Rapid PCR testing sites:

• AFC Urgent Care Springfield (Allen & Cooley) 
• AFC Urgent Care West Springfield
• Urgent Care of Wilbraham (Boston Rd.)
• Baystate Urgent Care in Longmeadow

Wishing you all a Happy, Healthy & Joyous Holiday and New Year,

The Ludlow Community Center/

Randall Boys & Girls Club

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COVID Care Plan - December 2021

Athletic/Aquatic/Fitness & Social Recreation Programs

Virus Prevention Protocols

Mask Policy

1.     The Club will require that all youth, staff, members, visitors, and parents wear a mask at all times while inside of our building.  Exceptions will include:

o   While in the swimming pool.

o   While actively working out in the fitness room.

o   Adults who are participating in open gym:  pickle ball and basketball.

o   Adult events that occur after 5:30 PM and social distancing is possible.

2.   Staff and volunteers must wear masks at all times while inside.

     Exceptions include:

o   When actively eating or drinking and at least 6 feet away from others.

o   When outside, if staff member is fully vaccinated.

o   When alone in an area of the building, not part of childcare such as an office.

o   When lifeguarding and at least 6 feet away from others.

• When teaching swim lessons.

Sick Policy

1. All adult and youth members must self-screen at home prior to arriving at the club or club sponsored program.
2. Any individual that has any of the following symptoms may not attend:
   1. Fever of 100 or higher
   2. Cough
   3. Sore throat
   4. Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing (without recent physical activity)
   5. Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting)
   6. Headache (must be in combination with other symptoms to be cause for exclusion)
   7. Fatigue (must be in combination with other symptoms to be cause for exclusion)
   8. Runny nose or congestion (must be in combination with other symptoms to be cause for exclusion)
   9. New loss of smell/taste
   10. New muscle aches
   11. Any other sign of illness (must be in combination with other symptoms to be cause for exclusion)
3. Any youth or adult member or staff member (regardless of vaccination status) who stays home due to a fever, cough, sore throat, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting) new loss of smell/taste, new muscle aches must get a doctor’s note or negative PCR test to return to the program or work.
4. Any youth or adult member who has been in contact with a Covid positive individual within the previous 14 days is not permitted to attend the club or any club sponsored activities unless they have completed their isolation and testing protocols as determined by governing body such as LPS, BOH, or DOH. . Individuals who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine if coming in contact with a Covid positive individual.

Reporting of Covid Positive Case

1. If a member has tested positive for Covid-19 or has been deemed as a close contact it must be reported to a Department Manager as soon as possible.

• Athletic/Fitness Director – Matt Thompson mthompson@ludlowbgc.org x 123
• Aquatics Coordinator – Michaela Salviuolo msalviuolo@ludlowbgc.org x 124
• Health, Wellness & Community Impact Director – Jodie Ponte jponte@ludlowbgc.org x 126
• Director of Program & Administration – Katie Mitus kmitus@ludlowbgc.org x 104

2. A member of the club’s administration team will consult with Board of health.
3. A timeline regarding quarantine and testing protocols will be communicated.
4. Close contacts will be contacted and given quarantine and testing instructions.

Spectators

1. Each participant is allowed two guests per game/event.
2. Guests will have to check-in at the front desk before entering the building.
3. All spectators must wear a mask at all times inside the building.
4. Spectators should sit with their immediate family and social distance from others.
5. Spectators must adhere to the illness policy. Spectators cannot attend club sponsored events if they have any of the symptoms listed in the sick policy or if they are required to quarantine due to close contact with a Covid positive individual.
6. Spectators should not enter the gymnasium until everyone from the prior game has exited.
7. Spectators need to be in the building before the end of the first half.
8. Spectators are not permitted to have any food or drink.

Refunds: There are no refunds or credits for missed time due to absences and no substitution of days. Due to the many requests the Club receives, the Club must enforce this policy and does not have the capacity to make exceptions in an effort to remain fair to all our families and to prevent operational challenges for the Club. Should we be ordered to close by town, county, state or federal officials at any time, in order for the Club to meet its financial obligations, families will be required to meet their financial commitment for up to two weeks of closure. After that time, no further charges will be made until the Club reopens. 

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Update: September 3, 2021

Based on guidance and new mandates issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care yesterday, the Ludlow community Center Randall Boys & Girls club has amended its mask policy effective September 7, 2021.  We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our members and staff healthy and safe.

Childcare Hours:  Monday – Friday  6:30 AM – 5:30 PM

1)  All children ages 2 and up will be required to wear a mask.  Exceptions will include:

• Children when outdoors.
• Children while eating, drinking, sleeping, or napping.
• Individuals who have difficulty breathing with the face covering or who are incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance.
• Children with severe cognitive or respiratory impairments who may have a hard time tolerating a face mask.
• Children for whom the only option for a face covering presents a potential choking or strangulation hazard;
• Children who cannot breathe safely with a face covering, including those who require supplemental oxygen to breathe; and
• Children who, due to a behavioral health diagnosis or an intellectual impairment, are unable to wear a face covering safely.

2)  Face masks will be required by adults at all times, unless outside. This includes parents or guardians during drop-off and pick-up, facilities maintenance professionals performing upkeep and maintenance duties, and any adult members going to the fitness room* or pool*, and visitors.

*adult members may remove their masks once they get to the fitness room or pool.

3) Staff will be required to wear a mask at all times. Exceptions will include:

3. When actively eating or drinking and at least 6 feet away from others
4. When outside, if staff member is fully vaccinated.
5. When alone in an area of the building that is not part of the childcare program such as an office.

After 5:30 PM and weekends

 1) After 5:30 PM or on the weekends masks will not be required but are strongly recommended.

2) Staff and volunteers must wear masks at all times while inside. Exceptions include:

• When actively eating or drinking and at least 6 feet away from others.
• When outside, if staff member is fully vaccinated.
• When alone in an area of the building that is not part of the childcare program such as an office.
• When lifeguarding and at least 6 feet away from others.

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Update: May 24, 2021

Based on guidance issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts the Ludlow community Center Randall Boys & Girls club has amended its mask policy.  We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our members and staff healthy and safe.

All staff and volunteers must wear masks at all times.  The only exception is when alone in an office or room or while actively eating or drinking.  Staff should only be removing their mask to eat or drink when they are 6 feet or more away from other staff or members.

All members and guests must continue to wear a while inside the building.  Members who are actively engaged in swimming may remove their masks.

Childcare –

Based on new guidelines issued by The Department of Early Education and Care starting on Tuesday, May 25 children enrolled in our Preschool or School Age Childcare programs will no longer have to wear masks when outdoors, even if distance cannot be maintained.  Children and staff will continue to wear masks indoors unless eating, napping, or swimming.

Parents must continue to wear masks while picking up and dropping off.

Athletics and Fitness Activities 

Based on new guidelines issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, effective immediately, youth athletes who are outside and actively engaged in play are not required to wear a mask.  Youth should wear their masks while arriving to the field and until the play starts. 

Effective, May 29 members of all ages who are participating in an athletic or fitness program indoors or outdoors are not required to wear a mask while actively engaged in athletic or fitness activities.  Masks should still be worn during arrival, entry/departure of building and trips to the restroom.

All staff and volunteer coaches must continue to wear a mask.

Parents and spectators are still required to wear a mask at this time.  Effective May 29, parents and spectators who are outside may remove their masks while watching and when socially distanced.

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Update: September 16, 2020

Fitness/Aquatics FAQ:

The Club has been significantly impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 health emergency. As we work on our recovery and reopening, there are many factors that need to be assessed including significant health and safety measures that require the Club to shift and in some cases, redesign a new norm for operating.

While this planning and redesigning process takes time, we are as anxious as you are to reopen our doors. In the meantime, we have created an FAQ below to help our community stay up-to-date on the process.  As this COVID-19 health emergency remains fluid, this FAQ will be updated as needed.

• Why are other fitness centers and pools open but the Club is not?
  • The Club is licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Up until the beginning of September, EEC regulations prohibited individuals other than Club staff, registered youth members and emergency personnel to be on premises. EEC regulations were recently updated to include allowing non-essential visitors on premises but not allowing them to share or enter any child care space. While this update offers more flexibility, the Club needs to reconfigure the space to prevent sharing of entryways, hallways and stairwells.

• How are other organizations such as the YMCA able to reopen to serve both children and adults but the Club is not?
  • While we cannot speak for other organizations, we recognize the layout of the Club is unique and different from other organizations. Our fitness room is located right alongside several youth program spaces which creates the challenge of shared hallways and exposure between children and non-essential guests. We are exploring options to address this challenge and actively fundraising to support this effort.

• If there are conflicts with the child care programs, can the fitness room and/or pool be open during days/hours that the child care programs are not operating?
  • We are exploring this as an option but there are two main challenges to overcome:
    • State mandates require fitness facilities to space equipment 14 feet apart. This poses a significant challenge as our fitness room is only 1,200 sq. ft. and would require us to block off much of the equipment.
    • In addition to the physical constraints, there are significant reopening costs that the Club needs to consider. The Club has been committed to being as accessible as possible to our community and thus has historically subsidized membership fees to cover the true costs of operating our fitness and aquatics programs. Due to the pandemic, operating costs have risen while the Club’s fundraising efforts have been impacted. The Club is thinking outside the box and redesigning our program infrastructure to ensure its sustainability.

• What actions has the Club taken thus far to prepare for reopening?
  • The Club is actively monitoring state mandates as well as the health and safety guidelines for all of our programs. We also leveraged the closure to drain the pool, do a complete acid wash and make some necessary tile repairs. This project was just completed at the end of August.

• What are the Club’s current priorities and concerns about reopening?
  • The reopening of all of our programs is done safely with all our members and staff in mind.
  • In addition to fundraising, the pool is actively going through a recertification process with the local health department. This is a requirement before we are able to reopen.
  • The community, like many across the Commonwealth are adapting to a new school year with remote learning. This change presented a significant challenge for many working families who are not able to stay home to facilitate learning with their child. The Club made a decision to step up and create a Remote Learning Support Program to provide a safe place for children to go on their remote learning days and enable parents to return to work. This was and continues to be a large undertaking but we felt was necessary and beneficial to families in addition to our community at-large.
• When does the Club anticipate reopening for fitness and/or aquatics?
  • While we do not have a definitive date to announce, we are diligently working on removing the barriers that are keeping these programs closed. We anticipate reopening the pool first and hope for an early fall welcoming date. We truly regret not being able to be more specific.
  • We will be sharing updates on our website and Facebook page and we will also contact current members individually when a more concrete date is determined.

Update: July 23, 2020


Club Updates: Adult Membership

Dear Members,
 
As you may already know, guidelines for reopening fitness centers in Phase 3 were released a few weeks ago. Our recovery task force has culled through the new mandates with hopes to announce a reopening date to you and all our members.

After considering many factors, the task force came to a difficult realization that, because of the unique layout of the building, it is much more challenging for us to reopen adult programs while safely adhering to all of the restrictions. Additionally, our licensing body for our youth programs currently prohibits any adults/visitors/guests from entering the building during youth programming hours.
 
Regarding our pool, we had a large draining, cleaning and repair project scheduled for August, during our annual Club shut-down/cleaning week. Our hope was that we could move the project timeline up and complete it during the mandated closure. Unfortunately, this was not possible, for reasons out of our control. Thus, knowing that repairs will be happening in just a few weeks, and knowing the stringent state guidelines in place (which limit the number of people who would be able to use the facility and the available hours of operation), we feel it is not in anyone's best interest to rush to reopen.
 
All of this ultimately led to the difficult decision to postpone the reopening of any adult services until the fall. I know this is difficult news and I truly wish the circumstances were different. We respectfully ask for your patience and understanding as our decisions are always made with the safety of all our members, staff, and community in mind.
Please feel free to call me if you have any questions. We will continue to keep you posted as the situation evolves.
 
Sincerely,

Mechilia Salazar
President/CEO


 

Update: July 13, 2020

Prior to entering the Club, all staff and members must complete and sign a Daily Health Attestation, documenting their health. The form can be found here, if you'd like to complete it before arriving.

DAILY HEALTH ATTESTATION

Update: July 2, 2020

While Governor Baker's announcement has indicated that Phase 3 starts on Monday, July 6, 2020, please note that, much like when childcare programs were allowed to reopen, the Club needs time to review all guidelines before we can safely begin operations again. Our Club is different from other gym facilities (as you know!) and so we need to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of our adult members and youth members alike. Please check our website and Facebook frequently for updates! Thank you - as always - for your support and patience!

Update: June 24, 2020

Updates to our school age summer fun program and summer plans for preschool are now available.

The Club has created a Covid Care Plan to outline our new safety protocols and program adaptations. Please note, policies and details may change, based on health and safety guidelines. Check back frequently for updates.

Update: June 4, 2020

Summer Program Update!

Official guidelines have just been released this week that will require many changes. While we are working as quickly as we can to thoroughly digest and implement the changes, we will do so diligently with the concern for your child’s safety and that of our staff as our number one priority. The start of Phase 2 has yet to be announced by Governor Baker though we anticipate an update will be announced this Saturday. Once we have a starting date confirmed, we will release more information along with registration details. We do anticipate that the Club’s reopening will also be phased in tiers with school-age summer program first, followed by preschool and athletics.
 
While our Boys & Girls Club has the independence to tailor our programs and services to the specific needs and interests of Ludlow and its local neighbors, we are proud to be part of a national movement which allows us to tap into best practices from fellow Clubs across the nation. This has enabled the Ludlow Boys & Girls Club to better prepare to welcome your child back to the Club after vetting everything from safety practices to fun program experiences that will adhere to physical distancing guidelines. Here are a few guidelines to share as you prepare your family for a safe and fun summer:  

-Spots will be extremely limited. Please begin to gather information you’ll need for registration such as emergency contact numbers, immunization forms, healthcare info, etc.

-Cloth facemasks have been procured to provide to members, but for extra comfort, parents/guardians may want to obtain face shields that are now available in children’s sizes.

-All program spaces will be reconfigured to follow distancing guidelines.

-Health screenings that will include daily temperature checks for all individuals prior to entering the building.

-The Club is committed to creating lots of fun memories with your child!

Update: May 26, 2020

• Please note it may take some time, but we will begin reviewing requests upon our reopening.
• Formal requests should be emailed to droque@ludlowbgc.org AND msalazar@ludlowbgc.org with subject line: COVID Refund Request. The request should include your name, your child’s name and the program in which payment was made and you are seeking a refund for.
• In lieu of a cash refund, the Club is offering a credit for 110% of the cash value which can be used towards ANY of the Club’s programs, services and special events. We appreciate your consideration of this option as it will place the Club in a stronger financial position going forward.

Update: April 24, 2020

Update: March 30, 2020

Dear Friends of the Club & Supporters,

I hope this email finds you safe and healthy. The Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys & Girls Club is so grateful for our community of families, staff, volunteers, advisors and supporters.

The COVID-19 pandemic has and continues to impact individuals, businesses and organizations across our Commonwealth, and it is hitting the Ludlow Boys & Girls Club particularly hard.

We miss so much all the joyful faces and sounds of your children, and it’s been difficult knowing we cannot be there for you and your families during this difficult time. Over the last couple of weeks however, our incredible team has stepped up with grace and grit, finding creating ways to stay engaged with many of you and participating in many online trainings in the spirit of coming out of all of this even stronger.

Unfortunately, the suspension of all our programs and services since March 16, along with the most recent announcement by Governor Baker that schools and childcare centers must remain closed thru May 4, has left us with no other option than to also suspend our remote operations at this time.

Effective Monday, March 30, if you have any questions regarding our preschool or school-age program, please reach out to Katie Mitus, Director of Youth Services. All other questions can be directed to Chile Salazar, President/CEO.

While we may be scaled down momentarily, we do want you to know that we will continue to do our very best to be a resource to you and your family. If we can be of assistance to connect you with other partners/resources or offer fun activity ideas as I know our team has been doing thus far, please let Katie or I know. Also please be sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages as we have created albums with various resources to help you get through this pandemic.

We hope this transition is a very temporary one and will remain in touch with updates.

Thank you for being a part of our LBGC Family. Please take care and continue to follow CDC guidelines for physical distancing, etc. We miss seeing you at the Club and look forward to celebrating with you when we return!

Your support is needed now more than ever. If you are able, please consider making a gift in any amount to protect the Club and the thousands of children and adults that depend on us. Funds will be used to ensure that when we are able to re-open our blue doors again, that financial access will not be a barrier to a child or a senior member from coming back. With your support, you can help the Club get up and running as smoothly as possible.

DONATE

In our 70 years of serving the community, we know that we are strongest when we support each other. My sincere thanks for your consideration and I wish continued good health to you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,

Mechilia Salazar

President/CEO

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Dear LBGC Family,

As I'm sure you've heard by now, Governor Baker has ordered the closing of all MA schools thru April 6th and ramped up other Covid-19 rules across the state. This will mean that the Ludlow Boys & Girls Club will extend its closure thru April 6^th as well.

Please understand this is uncharted waters for us and poses various challenges. However, I want to assure you that our team is committed to remaining strong and supportive of our LBGC Family and the community at-large as we continue to adhere to all directives that will keep all of us safe.

Our team has started to gather resources for both our youth and adult members to access while at home and can be found on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Over the next few weeks, our team will focus on a combination of online trainings, program planning and creative ways to remain connected as our commitment and dedication to you will not waver and our goal is that when we are able to welcome you and your loved ones back, we will be stronger than ever.

We will continue to share updates as they become available. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out via email to any of our directors or myself with any questions. We will do our best to respond in a timely manner and with the current information we have on hand.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I hope you all take care of yourself and each other.

Katie Mitus, Dir. of Youth Services: kmitus@ludlowbgc.org

Sarah Goodwin, Dir. of Operational Services: sgoodwin@ludlowbgc.org

Deb Roque, Accounting Manager: droque@ludlowbgc.org

Tom Donovan, Dir. of Development: tdonovan@ludlowbgc.org

Kelly-Ann Maxwell, Dir. of Membership: kmaxwell@ludlowbgc.org

Chile Salazar, President/CEO: msalazar@ludlowbgc.org

Sincerely,

Chile Salazar

President/CEO 

Update: March 15, 2020 at 13:10

Dear LBGC Family,  

As expected, the situation is continuing to change rapidly as we continue to follow the guidance of the local and national health authorities including the Ludlow Board of Public Health.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club (LBGC) will be closed to the public effective Monday, March 16^th thru March 29^th, per the recommendation of the Ludlow Board of Public Health and with the assent of the LBGC Board of Directors.

• For families enrolled in our Preschool, Before or After School programs, you will NOT be charged during this two (2) week period. Any fees paid for next week will be applied to your program fee upon the re-opening of the Club.
• For Fitness/Aquatics members, we ask for your consideration of these unprecedented times that will significantly hurt the financial stability of many nonprofits including the LBGC, that relies heavily on fundraising efforts and programs that are coming to a halt. With that said, we respectfully ask you to consider the following:

• Allow the Club to convert your membership fee for this two week period into a donation to the Club, or
• Allow the Club to freeze your membership and extend it by two weeks on your renewal date.
• For any member who would prefer a refund, please email your request to Chile Salazar at msalazar@ludlowbgc.org.

Thank you for your flexibility and understanding during these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Chile Salazar

President/CEO

Update: March 13, 2020 at 19:13

Dear LBGC Family,  

Over the past few weeks, the board of directors and administrative staff have paid close attention to concerns around the Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19. In particular, we have been following the implications of Governor Baker's declaration of a State of Emergency including restrictions and guidance in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus and to minimize as much as possible the number of people who will get sick.  With the widespread cancelling of events across the state, as well as the closing of colleges and universities, we have made the hard decision to pause our non-essential programs and services through to March 29^th as well as postpone several of our upcoming community events. Pausing/postponing for two weeks allows us to continue to monitor the situation while giving us time to re-assess if necessary. A full list of the programs/activities/events effected are listed below.

Please understand this was not a decision made lightly. As always, my first priority is the health and safety of our families, staff, and volunteers. 

It feels like the situation is changing daily, if not hourly, and we will continue to communicate as we navigate this uncertainty. 

Our hearts go out to any family affected by this virus. Please continue to take care of yourselves and each other. 

Best,

Chile Salazar

President/CEO

Events and Programs to be postponed as of 3/13/2020:

Special Events

Swim team banquet

Father/Daughter Dance

Easter Egg Hunt

Sports & fitness programs – cancelled or postponed March 14 - April 6:

Group Exercise classes

Aquacize classes

Heroes in Training

Stoke & turn clinic

Lil Sea Lions

Swim lessons

High School Rec Basketball

Youth Volleyball

Intro to Basketball

Updated March 13, 2020 at 15:57