Archive
Picnic 2001
Annual Picnic at the North Jensen Beach Causeway
By Herman Santa
With the participation of many guests, the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” (SACI) held its first day at the beach in Jensen Beach. The annual event took place on March 25 at the North Causeway Pavilion of Jensen Beach. Under a bright midday sun, members and guests enjoyed a picnic with delicious Creole dishes and good music. That day, three new families joined our club. Thank you to everyone who helped.
Event 2001 (Fest. of Lights)
El SACI PARTICIPA EN LA PARADA DE LAS LUCES (Festival of Lights) “Elks”
By Herman Santa
The First Parade of the Spanish American Club, Inc. (SACI) was held on Saturday, December 8, at Lingate Park in Port St. Lucie. The parade began at 6 PM and lasted until 8 PM. The procession started at the Post Office on Midport Avenue at the stretch connecting it with New York Avenue and Seafury Street, and ended on Lyngate Avenue in front of the park. The event featured participation from more than 40 civic, cultural, school, and commercial organizations.
The event was organized by the “Elks” club of Port St. Lucie, a fraternal organization. The Grand Marshal was Mr. Jack de Bell, who said, “it is already a tradition in Port St. Lucie for this parade, but this year it was something special and it was called United We Stand, God Bless America.” The “Parranda Nivideña” was planned by Roberto and Lily Betancourt. It consists of Sixto Santa on first guitar, Herman Santa on second guitar, Inez Súarez on güiro, Roberto Betancourt as vocalist, and Lily Betancourt, Gladys Vélez, Sandra, and William Reyes in the chorus.
The Vice President of SACI, Mr. Roberto Betancourt, pointed out that “this is a magnificent opportunity to showcase the best of our club, which is our cultural essence, our music, traditions, joy, and pride, especially during this Christmas season. Next year we hope to participate if God grants us luck and health. The ‘Comité de la Parranda’ is seeking individuals who play musical instruments such as the cuatro, bongos, conga, and singers of Puerto Rican jibaro music. Thank you to all the members who represented the ‘Spanish American Club, Inc.’ on Saturday.”
Scholarship 2001 (Padilla)
8th scholarship from the “Spanish American Club, Inc.”
By Herman Santa
One of the objectives of the “Scholarship Committee” of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” is education. Consequently, the “Spanish American Club, Inc. Scholarship Fund” has been created, with the purpose of raising funds to award a scholarship to a low-income Hispanic student so they can continue their college or university studies. The scholarship fund is administered by the Club’s Board of Directors.
This year, 11 applications were received for the scholarship. The winner was Gabriela Padilla from Indiantown, a senior at “South Fork High School,” and she will receive $500.00 to assist her in studying at “Indian River Community College” in Ft. Pierce. Gabriela was invited to the “Get Together” of the members, which was held in her honor on Saturday, July 28, at the residence of Victor and Ana Swift in St. Lucie West.
The club’s president, Herman Santa, wishes to thank Roberto Roldán and his “Salsa Express” and last year’s Scholarship Committee members, Mrs. Gladys Veléz, Mrs. Ana Swift, and Mrs. Isa Bryson, for raising the funds for this year’s scholarship. The committee is planning a “Scholarship Dance” this year to raise funds for next year’s scholarship.
Scholarship 2000 (Gaspar)
7th scholarship from the “Spanish American Club, Inc.”
By Herman Santa
Recently, scholarships were awarded to a Hispanic student from the Spanish American Club, Inc. (SACI) in Port St. Lucie. This event was organized by the “Spanish American Club, Inc. Scholarship Funds” and the club’s Board of Directors. $500.00 was given to “Indian River Community College” for the winning student, Juan Gaspar from Indiantown. Student Gaspar was selected based on academic index, field of study, and economic level among other criteria.
Five students from the area applied for the scholarship this year. The Scholarship Committee this year was composed of Mr. Herman Santa, Director; Ms. Maite Peterson; Gladys Velez; Ms. Isa Bryson; Ms. Ana Swift; and Ms. Ana Dauro. The committee encouraged young Gaspar to make the most of this opportunity to pursue and complete his academic studies, as his achievements ensure a better quality of life for the Hispanic community in the area.
Watch Our Video
Co-Founder
The Spanish American Club, Inc. - Spanish American Club Community Outreach 