Archive
Spring 1995
Annual Spring with D.J. Johnny’s Music at the Port St Lucie Community center
By Dra. Renee Arnao
On Saturday, March 11, the Spanish American Club, Inc. held its regular monthly meeting at the Port St. Lucie Community Center. Our President, Herman Santa, along with his wife, Lucy, warmly welcomed everyone and excelled as hosts; the decoration and arrangement of the venue was beautifully crafted by our members, creating the feeling of a cozy “Family Room”; as usual, our members and invited friends prepared their favorite dishes for the delight of all attendees.
After the meal, we had a talk from the organization “Big Brothers-Big Sisters.” We celebrated the birthdays of our members Renee Arnao and José Lorenzatto by singing them their respective “Happy Birthday.” We welcomed our three new members, Antío and Christel Espinosa, Stephan and Toñita Donbrosky, and Robert and Pola Sánchez, and we introduced 8 candidates for membership. Then the dancing started; we had a great time, the music was fantastic, and we enjoyed the tunes from D.J. Johnny, who had us forming circles, train lines, and even dancing the “Twist.” We stayed until 12:00 A.M. Here, I want to give a special mention to our friends Gregory Cortez and Pete Echevarría, who have recovered from their health issues, and seeing them so happy truly fulfilled one of our club’s missions.
As you can see, we are growing, and the quality and friendliness of the people who support us is a sign that we are going to be a great and powerful club; where, despite the great mix of races, especially Latinos from all countries, we are united by a common idea: the great love we have for our roots, the desire to be together in joy and sorrow, and the wish to share our food and our music, and there I believe that lies the fundamental purpose of our club.
And now our next activity will be on Saturday, April 25, from 8 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon; we will be part of a great “Flea Market” at Jaysee Park, 1301 South West Bayshore Blvd. in the city of Port St. Lucie. The funds raised will be exclusively for the scholarship we donate to a Latino student to help them attend college. So, let’s clean out closets and garages before Easter and donate them for this purpose; we will appreciate it. For information, call Lucy Santa, Cecilia Vignier, or Reneé Arnao.
Scholarship 1995 (Rodriguez)
2nd scholarship from the “Spanish American Club, Inc.”
By Herman Santa
The “Spanish American Club, Inc.” of Martin and St. Lucie counties recently chose the winner of the college scholarship for the year 1995. The recipient was Elisa Rodriguez, a student at Port St. Lucie High School who graduated with a 4.3 GPA. Elisa has been accepted to the University of Central Florida and plans to study to become a teacher. She was born in San Sebastián, Puerto Rico, but since 1990 her parents moved to the city of Port St. Lucie. Her parents are Mr. Victor M. Rodríguez and Mrs. Doris Oronóz de Rodríguez.
Students graduating in Martin or St. Lucie counties who are children of parents born in a Spanish-speaking country are eligible for the $500 scholarship. The committee, made up of four members of the Club and chaired by Dr. Antonio J. Castillo, bases its decisions on applicants’ academic achievements, willingness, and need. Candidates must speak, write, and read Spanish.
The Club was founded in 1992 and is made up of 25 families. They raise funds for the scholarship through dance activities, tag sales, and social gatherings. The scholarship will be awarded to Elisa on July 22 at a cultural show at the Port St. Lucie Community Center. For more information regarding this activity, please call Herman Santa.
Mother’s 1995
Annual Mother’s Day D.J “Johnny’s Music” at the Port St. Lucie Community Center
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, May 13th, the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” celebrated its first dance in honor of mothers at the Community Center of Port St. Lucie. The dance was enlivened by Johnny Saltos “Johnny’s Music.” Johnny Saltos had us dancing from very early on with his modern rhythms. The psychedelic lights, smoke, and his way of energizing the audience made us feel as if we were in a nightclub.
As usual, we made the wheel, the bridge, and there was no shortage of the little drink for dancing in calypso style. José Lorenzatto’s Argentine family entertained us with a Tango. The occasion was also used to celebrate the May birthdays of members Isa Bryson, Reneé Arnao, and Odette Gayoso. In the end, Johnny dedicated songs to the mothers. I want to thank everyone who collaborated and supported us in this activity, especially the organizer, César Bohórquez, the Board of Directors, and the club members who contributed.
I would also like to thank the Hispanic group of Vero Beach, who always shows up for our club’s activities. With the support and generosity of our members and friends, we will continue moving forward. Once again, thank you for your cooperation.
Independence 1994
Independence at the residence of Richard and Vera Clark in Palm City
by Sam Del Rosario
On July 4th, the hospitable Richard and Vera Clark invited a group of family and friends from the club to celebrate, as good patriots, the Fourth of July. They decorated their estate with streamers and red, blue, and white balloons, fitting for the occasion. The children enjoyed the pool accompanied by their parents. They were joined by a group from Miami and Boca Raton, who lively entertained the party with romantic songs of yesteryear, playing the accordion and guitars.
As always, Mr. Richard Clark went above and beyond making the pork in the Cuban style, of which he is very proud, for being the “gringo,” he can make it just as good as the Cubans. Everyone thanks the Clark family for such a wonderful day we had.
Thanksgiving 1994
Annual Thanksgiving Day with disc music at the Port St Lucie Community center
By Cecilia Vignier
On November 19, the Hispano-American Club held its monthly meeting in Port St. Lucie. Members gather monthly at the IRCC building located at 200 Prima Vista Blvd. in Port St. Lucie. This meeting was well attended by members and their guests. Everyone prepared their favorite dish, and after dinner, they took time to dance and chat with their friends.
President Tomás González welcomed all members and new people interested in joining the Club. This month’s project will be to donate meal certificates for “Thanksgiving Day” to three families with low resources. The families will be from Ft. Pierce and Stuart. The directors in charge of organizing this meeting were Mr. José Lorenzatto and Cesar Bohórquez, who were also responsible for preparing the delicious turkey and roasted pork, as well as providing the music that kept us dancing non-stop.
The next meeting will be on December 17 at the same venue, and this time members and their guests are asked to bring a toy or clothing for babies or children to donate at Christmas to needy families. Every year before, this has been done and the toy collection has been a great success. For the end of the year, the members are organizing a big New Year’s dance in Jensen Beach, which will feature a DJ, champagne, noisemakers, and party horns.
New Year’s 1994
Baile despedida de año
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, December 31, the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” held its second farewell dance for the Old Year at the Jensen Beach Women’s Club. The venue was elegantly decorated for the occasion by the corporation’s committee. The president, Tom González, warmly welcomed the members and guests. The tables were filled with noisemakers, hats, rattles, crowns, and other items to celebrate the New Year, which the guests used upon arrival, adding a special color to the party.
Before midnight, we delighted our palates with the delicious Cuban sandwiches prepared by Jorge Sori, the owner of the new restaurant “Cuban Tropical” in Port St. Lucie. Many enjoyed the snacks brought to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. In the center of the dance floor, two large bags filled with colorful confetti were hung. When the DJ, Johnny Saltos, announced the arrival of the New Year, we all had fun searching for the gifts hidden inside the confetti. Cesar Bohórquez was one of the grateful ones, as he claimed that he found two lottery tickets under his seat.
Others quickly opened the bottles of champagne to toast with our family and friends for a happy New Year. Johnny Saltos surprised many of the guests with his repertoire of international music from our Spanish-speaking countries, as he made us dance joyfully to his rhythms of new music from yesterday. We did the famous wheel, the bridge, and other dances that delighted the members. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank all the members who helped us sell tickets and worked hard on the decorations for the hall. It is worth remembering that without the support of the public and the good behavior of our Hispanic people in this area, we would not have reached where we are now. If you continue supporting us, we will keep throwing parties.
We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming “Enamorados” party, scheduled for Saturday, February 11, at the Polish-American Social Club in Port St. Lucie. The dance will be enlivened by Angel Roque and his new “Pop Caribe” orchestra. Angel tells me they have already recorded an album (C.D.) and will be giving away some at the dance.
Event 1994 (Fashion Show)
Exitoso Desfile de Modas…
Por Dra. Renee Arnao
Los distinguidos socios y amigos del Spanish American Club, Inc. se dieron cita el sábado 24 de septiembre para disfrutar de su primer “Fashion Show”. Realmente fue todo un éxito. Asistieron más de 100 personas y la directiva y los socios tuvieron todo perfectamente listo para el evento.
el local fue bellamente decorado, la creatividad de Cecilia Vignier fue puesta nuevamente a prueba y el local parecia el más elegante lugar jamas pensado, las avidas manos de muchos socios hicieron el resto. El buffet no sólo constó de “Wine-cheese”, sino exquisitas fuentes de jamon y frutas que parecian hechas por el mejor gourmet, esto también fue hecho por nuestras socias. En cuanto a nuestros modelos, nadie al verlos desfilar podría decir que no eran profesionales, fueron impecables en sus pasos, elegantes y con mucha soltura.
Hay familias que participaron completas en el disfile como Rick, Vera Clark y sus hijos, Pete Ecehvarría y Ronald e Isabel Bryson ellos cosecharon muchos aplausos de la concurrencia por su naturalidad y gracia. Lilia Bohórquez esbelta y bella como siempre lució linda ropa y si hablamos de de elegancia y porte, Alicia Slater, Josephine Seestedt y María Finnerty nos dieron clase de esto. No podemos dejar de mencionar a Tomás González y Herman Santa que se lucieron por la simpatia que despertaron a su paso.
Nuestras modelos juveniles fueron todo un descubrimiento. Michelle Lanchez y Emy colón radiaron belleza y alegría. En cuanto a nuestros niños hay que destacar a Jesse y Brett Clark y a los nietos de nuestro presidente Brando y dustin Scott todos ellos disfilaron dando el toque de energía y vivacidad. También tuvimos 2 niñas qye contribuyeron con su encanto a que este desfile fuera un éxit, me refiero a Amanda George y Brittany Vásquez. En resumen todos fueron unas estrellas.
El protocolar discurso de beinvenida lo dió nuestro presidente y seguidamente comenzó el show. Quisiera destacar dos cosas bien importante: Primero, nuestra idea fue bien acogida por las tiendas que nos prestaron su linda y elegante ropa quiero mencionar a Casual Corners, Mary Go Around, Designers, J. Rigings, Pied Pipe Design, Razz-berries y West of Ole England, todos ellos confiaron en que nosotros los hispanos podiamos hacer un buen trabajo. Segundo: Que haberl hecho, nos acreditamos y tenemos carta habierta para otra oportunidad.
También quiero mencionar la gran ayuda de Vera Clark que no sólo hizo participar a toda su familia, sino que hizo posible el contacto con las tiendas de ropa para niños y la elegante ropa Western que lucieron. Quiero dar publicamente las gracias a mi hija Liliana A. George que dedicó muchas horas para preparar a las modelos, hacer los contactos con las tiendas y hacer que nos lucieramos con esta actividad.
Después del show nos quedamos bailando con la música de nuestros ya famosos D.J. Cesar Bohórquez y Herman Santa que una vez más nos hicieron dnzar alegremente. Y para terminar diremos que el año que viene otra vez será el Fashion Show en Port St. Lucie. Nuestra próima actividad será el Baile de Halloween el 29 de octubre, este atento que las entradas, ya salen esta semana y no espere el último momento y cuando llege a la puerta del Polish American Club vea un letrero que dice “Sold-Out”.
Halloween 1994
Halloween Dance with “La Gran Union” orchestra at the Polish American Club
By Cecilia Vignier
The Halloween ball was held in Port St. Lucie on October 29. Once again, the Spanish American Club, Inc. excelled in its organization and attracted a great turnout of 300 guests who attended the dance. Mr. Herman Santa, the club’s vice president, showcased his usual friendliness and presided over the ball, welcoming the guests and also directing the costume contest, which turned out to be very lively.
The first prize was awarded to Mrs. María Rodríguez, who was dressed as a clown; the second prize went to the couple formed by Miss Sherley Taylor and Mr. John Tucker, dressed as Arabs; and the third prize was won by Miss Den Hartog, disguised as a large skunk. The winners were chosen based on the audience’s applause.
The guests also enjoyed the good music from Ramón Báez, who came from West Palm Beach. This group from the Hispanic American Club works hard to bring us our much-needed Hispanic American music here. With the proceeds from these activities, the members have created a scholarship that will be awarded to a Hispanic student in spring 1995. We take this opportunity to, on behalf of the Hispanic American Club, thank all the people who attended the dance and helped make it a success.
Scholarship Award 1994
Primera beca del “Spanish American Club, Inc.”
Por Cecilia Vignier
El pasado 23 de julio, los socios del “Spanish American Club, Inc.” se reunieron para hacer entrega de la beca de $500 al joven Armando Gil. Todos tuvimos el placer de charlar con Armando y comprobar lo bien merecedor que es de la beca.
La renión fue en casa de nuestro presidenete Sr. Tomás González y su querida esposa Cathy que ofreció su casa muy gentilmente, todos los socios llevaron un plato de su preferencia y celebraron con baile y música hasta entrada la noche. Se la pasaron muy contentos y tmbién se tuvo oportunidad de presentar a los socios nuevos que se han intergrado a éste grupo tan amistoso y alegre del “Spanish American Club, Inc.”
Photo # 1 José Arnao Jr., Sheila Vélez, Tom González, Armando Gil and Angela Hurley
Photo # 2 Architecto Néstor Carrión and Director of the Scholarship congratulating the first Scholarship winner of the club Armando Gil
Phot # 3 Armando Gil (Left) and Annie Del Rosario (Rigth) enjoying the Get Together at Tom and Cathy González’s residence
Father’s 2010
Annual Father’s with Disc music Day at DAV
By Herman Santa
Over 60 members and guests gathered at the Disabled American Club in Port St. Lucie on Saturday, June 12th to celebrate the Annual Father’s Day Dinner-Dance Party. The monthly “Get Together” set the mood for drinking, dining and dancing as members and their guests enjoyed an evening of fun and camaraderie. After the buffet, as members and their guests enjoyed the coffee and dessert, Herman Santa presented Patti Tobin who is running for County commissioner in District 2 in St. Lucie County.
The members and their guests having their birthdays during the month of June Alicia Abbate, Amparo Preciado and Henry Velez were asked to come up and stand near the cake while the members were singing happy birthday to them. Later in the evening, during a break, the grand raffle winner was announced by Al Feliciano, secretary of the club, who informed us that the raffle generated over $500 for the scholarship. The lucky winner Jimmy Rivera who sold over hundred tickets was the recipient of a 42” Flat TV or $500 in cash.
Also, the directors held the raffles, (Door prizes, Fifty/Fifty and the hat dance contest). Winners were: Alicia Abbate (Door Prize), Xiomara Guanill (Door Prize), Norma Castro (Door Prize), Nancy Rozo (Hat Dance Contest), Alicia Abbate (50/50), Lucinda Zelaya (50/50), Celia Alarcon (Certificate donated by Mi Casita Restaurant) and William Betancourt (Certificate donated by Jose’s Barbershop).
Congratulations to Jimmy Rivera, for his dedicated directors and their committees for working tireless to make the Father’s Day Dinner-Dance Party a big success. The directors are Nancy Rozon; Vice President, Ron Bryson; Treasurer, Al Feliciano; Secretary and Mary Figliola; Director. Next month event of the club is the annual Picnic on Saturday July 17th. For more information check the Website (Events”).
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