Spanish American Center, Inc.
112 Spruce Street, Leominster, MA 01453
Tel #: 978-534-3145 Fax #: 978-534-5146
Board Of Directors News
Next Board of Directors’ Meeting: Jan 9, 2020 – Meeting Postponed
Will post rescheduled date as soon as it is re-scheduled. Please check back for information.
A letter from our incoming Board President, Ms. Migdalia Velez:
January, 2019
Hello Everyone,
It is with great excitement, pride and honor that I have accepted the nomination for President of the Spanish American Center’s Board of Directors. I am a past employee of the Center (my position was coordinator for youth and family services), and have been an active member on the Board of Directors for over 6 years.
For over 50 years, the Spanish American Center has kept an open door policy in servicing anyone who comes through its doors with needs of hunger, shelter, immigration, language and cultural barriers, educational needs, and many other needs that traditional programs may not be able to assist with.
I have been on many journeys (in regards to servicing families) with our dear executive director Neddy Latimer that have taught me to help others with humility and compassion. I have counted these work ethics first and foremost in helping others.
The Board of Directors of the Spanish American Center is a board committed to improving the lives of the Latino / Hispanic communities, and any other community members in need of help. I am proud to be a part of this effort and look forward to working with my Fellow Board Members in continuing to make our Spanish American Center a place where our communities feel welcomed, respect, and valued.
Hola A Todos,
Es con gran alegría, orgullo, y honor que acepto la nominación como Presidenta de La Junta del Centro Hispano Americano. En el pasado, trabaje en el Centro en capacidad de coordinadora de servicios para jóvenes y la familia, y por 6 años, he sido miembro activo de la Junta de Directores del Centro.
Por más de 50 años, el Centro Hispano Americano ha tenido una póliza de “puerta abierta” en proveer servicios a las personas que entran por sus puertas con necesidades de hambre, albergué, emigración, idioma y barreras culturales, necesidades educativas, y muchas otras necesidades que programas tradicionales quizás no pueden suplir.
Durante mi tiempo en el Centro como empleada y en ayudar a personas con multiple necesidades, aprendí muchas lecciones con nuestra querida directora ejecutiva Neddy Latimer sobre humildad, respeto, y compasión. Siempre cargo esas éticas de trabajo en mi diario vivir y en ayudar a otros.
La Junta del Centro Hispano Americano se compromete en ayudar a mejorar las vidas de las comunidades Hispanas/Latinas, y todas las comunidades en general que necesiten ayuda. Con orgullo soy parte de este esfuerzo y en trabajar con los otros Miembros de la Junta en continuar los esfuerzos necesarios para que nuestras comunidades se sientan bienvenidas, respetadas y valoradas.
Migdalia Velez
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Migdalia Velez, BA, President (2019)
Migdalia Velez, Program Director, The Family Resource Center, MOC
Richard Letarte, CPA, of Lunenburg, MA – Treasurer (2019)
Richard Letarte (left) at dedication of David Higgins Cocina with Mrs. Higgins
Silvia Taurino, of Leominster, Vice President (2019). SAC Volunteer
Vice President Silvia Taurino
Cheryl A. Boissy, Secretary (2019)
Cheryl Boissy, LICSWRetired Social Worker
Luz Torres, Leominster, SAC Reception Volunteer
Mary Yanneth Bermudez-Camp
Mary Yanneth Bermudez-Camp, Esq., Leominster
Ruby Vargas
Ruby Vargas Branch Manager, Main Street Fidelity Bank, Leominster, MA
Leona Earley Whetzel
Leona Earley Whetzel VP Montachusett Opportunity Council
Jessie Olson
Events Planning, Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg, MA
Eladia Romero
Congressional Aide, North Central MA Office of Congressman Jim McGovern
Alberto J. F. Cardelle, PhD
Provost and Vice President off Academic Affairs, Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg, MA
Georgie Rodriguez
Linda Velez Scullane
Mt. Wachusett Community College
Director of STEM Starter Academy, Articulation and Curriculum Pathways
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In Memorium – John I. Going
John Going
LEOMINSTER- John Isaac Going, 66, of Leominster, died Tuesday, January 6, in Sterling Village after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born May 18, 1948, in Leominster, son of Patricia M. (Supple) and the late Sidney Going, Sr. John graduated from Leominster High School in 1966. He earned his Bachelor of Secondary Education in 1975, and Master’s degree in Community Counseling in 1992, both from Fitchburg State College. John immersed himself in his community as a Community Service Coordinator for Catholic Charities of North Worcester County, Board of Directors for the Spanish American Center, religious educator and active member at Holy Family of Nazareth Church, and as an election worker for Ward 4. John enjoyed writing poetry. He was involved with several literary magazines and weekly newspapers, including the Tribune and Pioneer. He also enjoyed merengue dancing.
Besides his mother, he leaves his brother, Sidney “Tom” Going, Jr. and his wife Kathleen of Leominster; one sister, Sr. Mary Going, OSB, of Martin, KY; and a large community of colleagues and friends.
Besides his father, he was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, John and Mary Supple, his paternal grandparents, Isaac and Mary Alice Going, and one brother, Thomas Philip Going in 1950.
The funeral will be held Saturday, January 10, from Simard Funeral Home, 14 Walker St., Leominster, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. in Holy Family of Nazareth Church, 750 Union St., Leominster. Burial will follow in St. Leo’s Cemetery.
Calling hours are Friday, January 9, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. in the funeral home.