News and Notes From Neddy Latimer
Welcome to our readers of this, our September issue! Here are some items which you may enjoy: 
  • A generous grant from Central Mass Agency on Aging marks a significant and much appreciated increase in funding for Elders United - our "Ancianos Unidos" program, building social support for hispanic elders! ¡Muchas gracias!

  • The conclusion of the Summer Meals Program was also August 5th. As this issue goes to print, I'm happy to report it was a great success with daily meals (breakfast and lunch) provided to 687 children at 12 separate sites across Leominster, Fitchburg and Gardner.

  • Construction updates - we are awaiting some "underground" modifications. (Stay tuned)

  • Resumption of our popular ESL program is due to start September 2, 2017.

  •  A Domestic Violence awareness and memorial community vigil was convened with leadership from SAC and our colleagues at Riverside Apartments on August 4th, read more in the article below.

  • Block Party - 50th Anniversary celebration was held on August 5th. There are so many who joined in the festivities. Thanks to all community agencies, honored guests, and to our generous donors! (Pictures in the links below).


  • In this issue, we shine our Spotlight on our Caring Cocina Cooks, who keep the meals hot, community fed!

  • And, we welcome the diplomats from the Uruguayan embassy in New York as they once again bring their mobile consulate to Leominster on September 6 & 7th for the convenience of Uruguayan citizens across New England.

 Best of luck to everyone returning home from vacation or heading back to school!

              Neddy Latimer 
          September, 2017
Fidelity Bank's *NEW* Frosty Flyer Ice Cream Truck at SAC!
   One of the highlights of our Community Block Party was the much anticipated arrival of the Fidelity Bank Frosty Flyer Ice Cream Truck , which brought smiles and delicious ice cream treats to the children and guests! Special thanks to Susan Bachman , Ruby Vargas and Ice Cream Man of the day - Jeremiah Monks , and to all of the good folks at Fidelity Bank , Massachusetts!

FUND-RAISING UPDATE
We THANK EVERYONE
for their incredible generosity in answering the call for support for our programs . . . we are growing our total, which stands at $5,239.
Please patronize our sponsors!
Click the link below for our donor recognition page.
50th ANNIVERSARY 
Fiesta and Fun Community Block Party
Pictures and feature article
about our
50th anniversary celebration!

SAC Celebration guest Noah Rodriguez and his Grandmother, Migdalia Velez braved the raindrops to celebrate 50 + years of Spanish American Center!
Spotlight on Our David Higgins, Jr. Cocina -
Cooks Who Care!
Our fabulous cooks and food prep crew start their days while you are still asleep in order to prepare (and sometimes, deliver) the nutritious meals we serve at Spanish American Center!
Click below for an inside look:
Neddy Latimer, SAC Director an Mickey Guzman , SAC Staff deliver memorial comments at the dedication ceremony.
REMEMBERING ENOELIA
En nuestra memoria por siempre.
   In a simple, heartfelt ceremony attended by her family and friends we dedicated a plaque and tree planted in honor of our dear SAC colleague and friend, Enoelia Muñoz, who was a devoted part of our team at the Center for 27 years.  More here/aqui
Uruguayan Mobile Consulate
*REMINDER*
The Leominster SAC will host the Uruguayan Mobile Consulate 
on September 6 & 7, 2017

     Domestic Violence continues to be a disturbing issue in our community. It is a problem that does not discriminate - it inserts itself in all income levels, ethnicities, genders and family models - no one is immune.
   In response to two separate incidents in Leominster, our dedicated Domestic Violence Community Outreach workers at SAC held a community vigil along with our colleagues at Riverside Apartments and two invited guest speakers. On August 4th, in remembrance of the two victims, the community gathered together to bear witness and to share their experiences.     
   We at the Spanish American Center will continue to inform the public and provide important venues for educational dialogue as well as offering resources for healing, safety and change. Read more about this important service
HERE/A Q UI
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Reminder - Our Legal Clinic continues on the last Wednesday of every month at the SAC offices, 112 Spruce Street.
On Friday, September 15, 2017 the United Way of North Central Massachusetts is once again sponsoring its annual DAY OF CARING. There are still volunteer opportunities available at various locations throughout north central Massachusetts including some at the Spanish American Center. We value our volunteers and our affiliation with UWNCM. If you are interested in signing up or learning of the many services provided through the DAY OF CARING please click on the logo to be directed to their volunteer page.
The coordinator at SAC is Mickey Guzman, 978-534-3145 or mickey_guzman@spanishamericancenter.org ¡Muchas Gracias!
¿NECESITA APRENDER INGLÉS BÁSICO?
Classes Start Saturday, 9/2/2017

¿Ya sabe lo básico, pero necesita tener un mejor nivel de comprensión?
Inscríbase en clases en el Centro Hispano para que pueda …….

  • Comunicarse con su médico
  • Obtener servicios sociales que puede necesitar
  • Buscar un trabajo
  • Ayudar a su hijo/a con las tareas escolares
  • Hablar con los maestros de su hijo/a

CUÁNDO : cada sábado, de 9:00 am a 12:00 pm
DÓNDE:  Centro Hispano, 112 Spruce Street, Leominster, MA 01453
TELÉFONO:  978-534-3145. PIDA DEJAR UN MENSAJE PARA MARIA PERNEREWSKI , INSTRUCTORA DE LAS CLASES DE INGLÉS. (ELLA LE LLAMARÁ CON INFORMACIÓN SOBRE LAS CLASES.) O …….. VENGA AL CENTRO HISPANO EL SÁBADO POR LA MAÑANA PARA HABLAR CON MARIA PERSONALMENTE.

Las clases de inglés consisten de: ejercicios escritos y orales, conversación, información sobre los servicios en la comunidad, y tareas útiles.
  Las CLASES DE INGLÉS son posibles gracias a los fondos recibidos de la 
“GREATER WORCESTER COMMUNITY FOUNDATION”
Facebook
      Leominster's Mayor Dean Mazzarella  helped to brighten the festivities at our 50th Anniversary celebration by his dedication of our new American flag. Thanking Mayor Mazzarella for his generous donation of a solar illumination system to keep our flag shining brightly over the Center - day and night!
¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you!
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) Important Information
"There are some reports that President Trump may end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program soon. At this time, we do not know when or if the DACA program will be terminated or what the end of the program may look like. For example, will those with DACA continue to be protected from deportation and able to use their work permits until they expire? Or will DACA approvals and work permits be revoked? While  the DACA program remains in effect  at this time, this community advisory contains some things to keep in mind should the program end." CLICK ON THE LOGO AT RIGHT FOR MORE INFORMATION.