Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys & Girls Club Celebrates Volunteer Leadership at Annual Meeting
On September 21, the Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys & Girls Club held its Annual Meeting. The meeting is a yearly opportunity to share the Club’s impact and priorities for the coming year and to recognize community members for their ongoing support.
The Club was honored to have Senator Jake Oliveira in attendance. The Club thanked him for his leadership and advocacy in securing vital state funding each year, including an increased allocation of funding for 2024. These funds are essential to creating meaningful programs and opportunities for Club youth.
This year, the Club elected the following new board members, who join a committed group of community leaders whose role is to set the vision and direction of the Club and be active champions of youth:
Jennifer Holley, Hampden County Sheriff’s Dept.
Kate Roy, MMWEC
Rick Perryman, HUB International
Sgt. Jhon Wielblad, Ludlow Police Department
The Club welcomed new Ambassadors, to serve as volunteers and advocates:
Lt. Mike Brennan, Ludlow Police Department
Carla DiLoreto, Freedom Credit Union
The Club’s new President/CEO Josue Irizarry recognized longtime Facilities Director David Ritchie, a town employee, for his years of service to the Club, and Katie Mitus, Director of Operations, for her leadership during the spring while the Club searched for a new President/CEO. Josue also recognized Before & After School Group Leader Jenny Kania as the Club’s peer-elected Staff of the Year.
Melia Pirog spoke a few words as the Club’s Youth of the Year. Melia, a senior at Ludlow High School and employee of the Club received this honor earlier in the year for her leadership, academic success, civic responsibility and engagement. As Youth of the Year, Melia will receive the Jason Thompson Memorial scholarship when she begins college next fall, thanks to the generosity of the Thompson family, who established this award to honor Jason’s lifetime commitment to education, youth, and the greater community.
The Club was pleased to recognize longtime volunteer, Club member and Club parent Bridget Nichols for her volunteerism with the Club, particularly by supporting the Club’s Sea Lions Swim Team. Bridget received the 3rd Annual Darlene Rae Helping Hand Award, named in memory of a former board member, Club alum, and passionate volunteer who passed way in 2021.
At the end of the meeting, Board Chairman, Diana Roy, completed her term and handed the reins to Mark Germain, who will now serve a two-year term as Chair. The Club thanked Diana for her leadership and service and also thanked two other board members whose terms ended this year: Mel O’Leary from Meredith-Springfield Associates and Lt. Mike Brennan of the Ludlow Police Department.
The Club remains grateful for the numerous volunteers, staff, donors, and members who work together to create meaningful programs and opportunities for youth and families at the Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys & Girls Club. We are proud to be able to work together to create such a caring community for all.