Archive
Christmas 2000
Parrandazo 2000 at the residence of the Santas
By Herman Santa
Christmas is a special time of year, a season of joy for some and nostalgia for others. However, for everyone equally, it’s a time of rituals and traditions, among which a musical party with professional musicians during “Las Pascuas” is quite delightful. The “Parrandas,” “Trullas,” or “Asaltos,” as they are called in Puerto Rico, refer to the people who go door to door singing and playing instruments like the cuatro, guitar, güiro, maracas, bongos, and congas, filled with musical offerings for the occasion.
On Saturday, December 18th, the group “Raices Latinas” from the city of Stuart surprised the family of Herman and Lucy Santa from Jensen Beach with a parranda. It was a surprise gathering, as some of the members were meeting at the Santa family’s residence, who were not familiar with the customs of the Boricuas during Christmas. One of the songs the group “Raices Latinas” sang was “Abreme la puerta… (the first aguinaldo when arriving at a house), and afterwards they sang other Christmas songs that brightened the atmosphere among those present. Without a doubt, the members of “Raices Latinas” have talent, and they will soon perform in the area, as they are a folkloric music group from Puerto Rico.
Christmas Toys 1999
Santa Claus has arrived
By Herman Santa
For the 7th consecutive year, the members of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” took on the task of collecting and personally delivering gifts to low-income children in Martin and St. Lucie counties. The toys were gathered at the members’ traditional Christmas dinner, which took place at the new Cuban restaurant “Havana Biltmore” in the city of Stuart. Herman Santa was responsible for distributing the toys in Indiantown, which were given to children from Hispanic parents belonging to “Alcoholics Anonymous of Indiantown.” Willie González was in charge of distributing toys for low-income children in Ft. Pierce.
New Year’s 1999
Resultado baile Año Viejo
By Herman Santa
With a great attendance of members along with their families and friends, the dance “Goodbye Old Year” and the arrival of the new “Millennium” was celebrated on Friday, December 31, at the “Club House” of the “YMCA-Jaycee Park” in Port St. Lucie. The event, where the century was bid farewell and which members celebrate every year, was a complete success.
The event started at 8:00 PM and ended after 2:00 AM, including a delicious buffet, champagne, and Hawaiian leis along with traditional noisemakers, hats, and rattles. The final event of the previous Board of Directors was enlivened by the “Duo Riviera” from Port St. Lucie. Thanks to the previous administration and the activities and decoration committees for planning another event, which was a lot of fun. We had a great time with family and friends.
Picnic 1999
Picnic in honor of the Parents, North Jensen Causeway
By Herman Santa
The pavilion reserved by the club directors to celebrate “Father’s Day” on Saturday, June 20, was full, or rather, overflowing. Under a cloudy sky and with a gentle sea breeze, members of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” gathered to celebrate Father’s Day and present to the members the winner of the college scholarship. People from different parts of Martin and St. Lucie counties arrived at the “North Jensen Causeway” in Jensen Beach to enjoy a friendly Sunday, undeterred by the heat and the rain.
Mientras unos saboreaban la deliciosa comida tipica latina, otros pescaban y jugaban dominos. Algunos aprovecharon la ocasión para bailar con música de disco compacto. Fue un día maravilloso para pasarlo con los padres. Felicitamos a la Junta Directiva por darnos otro “Get Together” bien planeado.
Mother’s 1999
Annual Mother’s Day with D. J. “Coqui” at Jensen Beach Women’s Club
Por Herman Santa
Those who missed it … missed out. The “Mother’s Dance” show featuring salsa and merengue presented by “Coqui” on Saturday, May 1, at the Jensen Beach Women’s Club, was a true delight for music lovers. The DJs of “Coqui,” Angel Santa and Joaquin Plaza, played a remarkable role with their music; the debut of the singer known artistically as “Onaney” added spice to the night. Wilfredo “Wilo” Caraballo’s speech dedicated to the mothers filled the attendees with emotion. They truly shined at Jensen Beach.
During a break, a collection was made for Mrs. Evelyn Nieves, who lost her home in the fire on April 15 in the city of Port St. Lucie. Evelyn is related to Rafael and Aria Febus, who are club members. They were given a cash amount of $155. Salsa dancers came from afar, with friends and family; in total, more than 200 souls gathered. The reason: a tribute to mothers. Later that night, “Onaney” made her triumphant debut on stage, receiving applause from the audience. The event ended with a 50/50 raffle, a V.C.R., and certificates that the board had for the activity.
The raffle winners were: Gertrudes Aviles and Herman Santa (50/50) and Rigoberto Verde (VCR). The winners of the gift certificates were: Oscar Olivieri (Don Ramón Restaurant), Mrs. Pellot (El Toro Restaurant), Mrs. Conley (Pueblo Viejo Restaurant), Mónica Rangel (Dental Quality Care), and finally Jerry Ortíz (floral arrangement from Ordoñez Florist of St. Lucie West). The party was joyful and fun, both members and guests enjoyed dancing to the music of “Coqui.” We must congratulate the board and the committees who worked hard to make the party a success. Thanks to the mentioned sponsors.
Cruise 1999 (Palm Beach Princess)
Exciting trip on the “Palm Beach Princess”
By Herman Santa
On September 25, it was a day of celebration and joy in which a large group of members from the Spanish American Club, Inc. decided to go by boat. The event included a bus trip from Port St. Lucie to the Palm Beach port, funded by the club, and lunch on the luxurious casino boat. The party started as soon as we got on the bus in Port St. Lucie. The driver played Latin music and began the “Morning Show.” While some sang to the rhythm of the music, others danced in the aisle of the bus.
More than 50 people attended the traditional boat trip, where members, family, and friends rented a bus and embarked on a cruise in an atmosphere of healthy camaraderie and fun. Everyone enjoyed a wide variety of entertainment, such as lively Reggae music, shows, disco, swimming pool, and casinos. Ultimately, it was a special day of joy. Thanks to the Board of Directors for organizing this trip to celebrate the club’s “7th Anniversary.” We danced even on the bus!
Luau 1999
Luau with D.J. “Coqui” at the Jensen Beach Women’s Club
By Herman Santa
Every year, the Spanish American Club, Inc. held the Hawaiian party on Saturday, August 7th, and everyone was there. The spacious ballroom of the Jensen Beach Women’s Club was packed. People who hadn’t seen each other in a while took the opportunity to dance and relieve their stress. It was also a chance for some of our members to get to know each other. We saw many new faces and happy people; almost everyone wore Hawaiian shirts and enjoyed dancing to the music of “Coqui.” Many enjoyed the snacks prepared by Gladys and Juan Piñeiro, as they had alcapurrias, empanadas, and tostones at reasonable prices.
During a recess, the club president, Yolanda Sánchez, welcomed everyone and reminded them of the upcoming activities of the club. Late at night, the raffles for the television, the 50/50, and the certificates were held. This time, the majority of the members were the winners.
The winner of the 19” color television with remote control was Pino Reyes. This is the second time that a member has taken home the grand prize. The other winners were as follows: Ivan Piñeiro (50/50) and Frank Scilabra (50/50). David Matos and Frank Scilabra (certificates from Quality Dental Care). Jessica Reyes (certificate from the restaurant “El Toro” in the city of Stuart). Once again, we must congratulate the Board of Directors who, in collaboration with the committees, the members, and the sponsors, managed to create a memorable event.
Luau 1998
Luau with D.J. Johnny Saltos at Holy Family Episcopal Church
By Herman Santa
It was a party filled with color, rhythm, and flavor at the annual Hawaiian party on Saturday, September 19th. Before starting the dance, we delighted our taste buds with a delicious meal that the board had prepared to celebrate the occasion. The menu featured roasted pork, fried rice, chicken, and desserts. With the entertainment of “Johnny’s Music,” it was no surprise that the members and guests who filled the dance hall at “Holy Family Episcopal Church,” where the dance took place, had a wonderful time and enjoyed a super lively Saturday night.
DJ Johnny Saltos did an excellent job and established himself as a good entertainer. More than forty guests enjoyed the rhythm of his music. Among those present were Olimpo and Patricia Cardenas, Olga Evician, Armando and Glady Getchel, Amelia Lanchez, John and Irene Elias, Angel Febus, Dasy Ahorrio, Coralis Romero, Louis and Rosa Luchesi, Jri Violeta González, Rosita Ross, Irene Rivera, Edgar Maldonado, Luz Elena Alarcón, Fiorelia Holguin, Maria Gaspard, David and Carmen Boden, José and Iris López, Carlos Guerra, Lupe Vaz, Efraín Gotay, Sandra Lozado, Ana Santori, and Roy Mercado among other guests.
The night culminated in the celebration of the birthdays of the partners and guests. In short, the Hawaiian party turned out to be an unquestionable success filled with joy, rhythm, and flavor. We want to thank the guests who shared a joyful night with us. Also, special thanks to Johnny Saltos for his kindness and professionalism, as without him we wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much. And lastly, to the board for planning another “Get Together” that brought us closer together as Hispanics, as there were people from almost the entire American continent.
Golf 1999 (Tournament-SACI)
Annual Golf Tournament at Savanna club
By Herman Santa
On October 24, the “2nd Golf Tournament 99″to benefit the student scholarship. In this event, participants competed for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in “Low Gross,” the “Longest Drive,” and “The Closest to the Pin,” for just $30.00. The tournament included a luncheon and player registration.
At the event, held at the “Savana Club & Country Club” in Port St. Lucie, 23 golfers participated, most of them Hispanic. The tournament was sponsored by 48 companies that provided certificates for the players and also donated cash for 18 holes. The event was organized by the “Spanish American Club, Inc.”, which has been in existence for 7 years. Ed Finnerty was the tournament organizer. And speaking of Ed, there’s definitely some influence there, as obtaining so many certificates requires quite a few phone calls, trips, and correspondence.
The event ended at the home of Ed and Maria Finnerty in Port St. Lucie. After lunch, trophies and certificates were awarded. The club’s Vice President, Maite Peterson, presented a plaque to Mr. Finnerty for his work and contribution to the club. It was a perfect day for playing golf, as the sky was clear and there was a gentle breeze. We had a joyful time and socialized in an atmosphere of camaraderie and cordiality. We must acknowledge the help of Dana Peterson, who designed the flyer for the tournament, and the ladies who assisted Mrs. Finnerty in preparing lunch. We also want to thank everyone who participated in one way or another to make our 2nd Golf Tournament for the benefit of a Hispanic student scholarship in the area a success.
Winners were: “Low Gross” 1st place, 4 “Under Par”: Herman Santa, Frank and Liz Castillo, 2nd place, “Even 61”: Art Morales, Dr. Harris Goldberg and Derek Wright, 3rd place, Ruben Sanchez, Dave Houghton, Joe Jacoby, and Mike. “Longest Drive”, Liz Castillo, and “Closest to the Pin” Ed Finnerty.
The Gold sponsors were: Hoyo No.1 Blue Water Graphics, Inc. Stuart. No. 2 Best Western Hotel PSL. No. 3 Carvajal International Publishers Miami. No. 4 Choice Rental & Real Estate PSL. No. 5 Christian Company A/C PSL, No. 6 Carpet Max WPB, No. 7 D.O.A. Inc. Stuart, No. 8 Chevron Gas PSL, No. 9 Gold Coast Fed. Credit Union PSL, No. 10 Harbor Fed. Bank PSL. No. 11 Pennzoil Lube PSL, No. 12 Pad Masters PSL. No. 13 Prima J4sta Walk-in Med. Center PSL, No. 14 Riverside Nat. Bank PSL, No. 15 Walmart PSL, No. 16 NY Assoc. PSL. No. 17 Dr. Harris Goldberg Chiropractor PSL and No. 18 Gary-Williams-Parenti-Finey-Lewis-McManus-Watson & Spernado PA. FTP
The Silver Sponsors were: B.J. Warehouse Club, Holiday Inn, Treasure Coast Theaters, Sports Authority, Target, Circuit City, Red Lobster, LongHorn Steakhouse, So. Ft. Golf (Cici’s Pizza, Village Green Theater, Southern Eagle Beer Dist., T.G.I. Fridays, Big Apple Pizza, Play-T-A-Gain, St. Lucie Car Wash, Golfer Outlet, Golf USA, Par & Scription Golf Norris Restaurant, Pizza Hut, Savanna Golf Club, Sonny’s Real Bar-B-Q Pit, Perkins Family Restaurant, Cracker Barrel Restaurant, Gold Coast Dist., Tropicana, Fairwinds Golf, Luigi Restaurant, Achil’s Pizza, Jensen Beach Ale House, PGA Golf Village, Club Med, Eagle Marsh Golf Club, Liccio Pizza, Dunkin’ Donuts, First Base Disc., Alphonse’s Pizza, Goodyear Tire Store, Snappy Lube, Karen’s Hair Salon, Public, St. Lucie Battery & Tire, Spanish American Club, Inc., D.A.R. Fishing, and Berlitz German Language Course.
Halloween 1999
“Son Caleño revolutionizes the Treasure Coast “Jensen Beach Women’s Club”
By Herman Santa
To celebrate the “Mascaras” Ball in Port St. Lucie, the Spanish American Club, Inc. had as honorary guests none other than the sensational orchestra “Son Caleño” from West Palm Beach. The orchestra played, delighted, and revolutionized those present with their famous Salsa Caleña, while also showcasing that not only salsa and merengue can be danced, but also cumbia, and even more the salsa of “Son Caleño.”
This show that many missed took place on Saturday, October 31, in the spacious ballroom of the Port St. Lucie Community Center. This makes one think that “Son Caleño” is heading towards new horizons. In what could very well be called its impressive second appearance since early in the evening, as no one wanted to miss the show after they reserved their tickets. In both dances, Hispanics from different parts of the “Treasure Coast” gathered.
People from Vero Beach, Ft. Pierce, and Stuart came to dance to music with Colombian flavor. The band revolutionized the patriotic spirit of Colombians, but it also delighted other South American, Central American, and Caribbean Hispanics who quenched their hunger and thirst with the rhythm of an orchestra that is rarely heard in this area. Without a doubt, once again, the “Son Caleño” with its music presented a great show in the city of Port St. Lucie.
The rhythm of this orchestra demonstrates the creativity, sensitivity, and talent present in these talented young people. During a break, former president Herman Santa announced the birthday celebrants and the three winners of the best masks. We would like to thank our sponsors “Ole Frijoles,” “Johnny’s Music,” “Quality Dental Care,” “Ordoñes Florist,” “Ace’s Performance,” and “Image Beauty Salon” who donated gifts and certificates for the party. We also want to congratulate the Board of Directors who worked hard to ensure everything went smoothly.
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