Archive
Cruise 1998 (Palm Beach Princess)
Another successful boat trip on the “Palm Beach Princess Casino”
By Herman Santa
In a crowded event that was attended by numerous members, guests, and casino game enthusiasts, the gathering took place on the cruise ship “Palm Beach Princess Casino.” Members, accompanied by their families and friends, came together for a night of camaraderie where they ate, danced, and played all night long. Members and guests enjoyed the music of Disco and Reggae.
The show presented by the artists was very nice, but the performance some of the partners put on in the ballroom was even better. The partners traveled by bus from Port St. Lucie to the embarkation port, and that’s where the fun began, as some brought their coolers full of liquor, turning the back of the bus into a “Hospitality Suite,” and since they didn’t have to drive, they celebrated big. On the way back on the bus, while some were sleeping, the celebration continued, and some even danced in the aisle due to how happy they were.
This traditional bus trip, which is planned every year, has been well received by all members. It cannot be concluded without congratulating the Board of Directors for their extraordinary work this year; without them, the club would not be where it is today, as every time there’s an activity for members, more members join. Among the new faces were Luis and Elizabeth Sánchez, Saturnino Sánchez, Patricia and Alex López, Martin Santos, Craig Palenzuela, and Sue Pasici. The show presented by some of the members in the ballroom was wonderful.
Mother’s 1998
Annual Mother’s Day with band “Son Caleño” at Jensen Beach Women’s Club
By Herman Santa
A long time has passed, almost more than five years since the club last brought a new orchestra and for the first time presented “Son Caleño” on Saturday, May 9, as part of the celebration of “Mother’s Day” organized by the Board of Directors. It is possible that the members of the “Son Caleño” orchestra themselves are still unclear about the reach, roots, and importance that their musical proposal has received among the audience of Palm Beach County and the Martin and St. Lucie counties.
In the short time (four or five years) since launching into the professional world, “Son Caleño” has resonated and become a unique rhythm of Colombian salsa, and now they are beginning to reap rewards both in Palm Beach County and in “The Treasure Coast,” where they are starting to make a name for themselves and gain fans. As part of an effort by the new Board of Directors of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” to present something new to the public, “Son Caleño” debuted in the city of Port St. Lucie before an audience of more than 200 people. Although the orchestra’s performance lasted only four hours, the DJs from the orchestra, Oscar Rincón and his assistant Carlos Escamilla, entertained us until midnight.
For $15.00 per ticket, the guests had fun and enjoyed the snacks that Claudia Zapata had prepared. Although she is not affiliated with the club, she offered to make some appetizers for those who came from afar and for those who have a drink and then want some snacks. During a break in the orchestra, a raffle was held to help cover the scholarship expenses. The scholarship committee collected the proceeds from the 50/50 and other gifts that local Hispanic merchants contributed to the club.
Also, during another break, the guests were impressed by the local singer Romiro Angel, who sang Mexican rancheras for us. The family friends Paulino and Lydia Reyes took the opportunity to celebrate their 45th anniversary. Many new people who were unaware of our existence were seen, and they were pleased with the event that is held annually with an orchestra. We must thank the Board of Directors, the decoration committee, and the members who helped and worked hard to make this activity a success.
We also need to thank the new Spanish station “La Dinámika 101.3 FM” for announcing our party. Many thanks to the following sponsors who donated prizes for the event: Victor Nercess from Coldwell Banker in Port St. Lucie, Marissa Astwasatourian from Burdines in Jensen Beach, Nellie and Harry Espinoza from Ordoñez Florist in Port St. Lucie, and Jerry Perimuter from Quality Dental Care in Fort Pierce.
Picnic 1998
Annual picnic of the Members Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
By Herman Santa
For those of us who are members of the Spanish American Club, Inc., the monthly meetings have traditionally been our refuge to relieve stress, a way to escape the routine and work. There we find serenity and joy, parties, games, food, and sometimes even new friendships, depending on what is desired. On Sunday, April 19, the members rented a pavilion at the beach of “Fort Pierce Inlet State Park.”
The event was the first activity of the club for its members and had a large turnout. The afternoon was filled with games, dancing, food, jokes, and laughter throughout the day. Some took the opportunity to stroll along the beach. The activity concluded with the celebration of the members’ birthdays. This was a very well-planned event by the Board of Directors.
Christmas Toys 1997
Santa Claus went to Indiantown.
By Herman Santa
On December 28, hundreds of Hispanic children from low-income families in Indiantown enjoyed the Christmas gifts given to them by a group of club members. Mr. Lucas Rivera, owner of “Tienda Rivera” in Indiantown, lent the premises from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the group to distribute the Christmas toys. There, children from one year old up to 11 years old enjoyed the candies and toys that had been packed into bags, which Santa personally distributed to each of them.
Herman Santa dressed up as Santa Claus because Mr. Oscar Olivieri fell ill with the flu. Among the people who traveled to Indiantown were Willie and Olga González, Abraham and Olga Burgos, Damaso and Josefina Gerena, and Herman Santa. Santa Claus was the center of attraction for the children, as many of them had never had the opportunity to meet him in person. Many of them were accompanied by their parents, who had the chance to see their children filled with happiness and share that special moment of Christmas.
After the delivery of toys, Mr. Rivera invited us to his farm where we enjoyed a variety of fruits such as oranges, papayas, bananas, and even honey. We then finished in Port St. Lucie where we celebrated the event at the residence of the Burgos family. This was the first time a group of Hispanic families from the club delivered toys to the children of Indiantown. The activity was so well-received that Mr. Rivera and the Hispanic group are considering doing it again this year if there are enough financial resources, but they will do it before Christmas Day.
Anniversary 1997
5th Anniversary of SACI with D.J. Juan Carlos Gayoso at Kristie’s on the Ocean Restaurant Ft. Pierce beach (South Beach)
Por Herman Santa
Our Club celebrated its 5th Anniversary on June 24, 1997. For the anniversary, the members celebrated with a dinner at “Kristie’s on the Ocean,” an elegant restaurant located on Ft. Pierce beach (South Beach). President Mr. Thomas González welcomed the guests, and after dinner, we danced to the rhythms of the club’s D.J., Juan Carlos Gayoso. Juan Carlos entertained us with his repertoire of compact disc music until late at night.
To commemorate, Herman Santa, co-founder, published an informative brochure containing events since the establishment of the “club.” Photos of the boards, committees, and activities over the past five years were published. The brochure will be released annually and clearly defines the purposes and goals of the social “Club” of Martin and St. Lucie counties. The Club is a non-profit corporation, and one of its main objectives is to promote cultural exchange, language, geography, customs, history, art, and folklore of Spanish-speaking countries.
Halloween 1997
Alegre baile de máscara
Por Herman Santa
En un ambiente alegre y de buena camaradería se celebró el tradicional “Baile de Máscaras el sábado 1 de noviembre en el Polish American Club de Port St. Lucie. Con un salón bien decorado para la ocasión, el presidente Tom González recibió a los socios e invitados para dar inicio a la mejor fiesta del año. La música estuvo a cargo del “Trío Pop Caribe” de West Palm Beach quien nos puso a bailar hasta la una de la madrugada. Allí había de todo, desde brujos, fantasmas, musulmanes y hasta magos. Gracias a los directores y a todos los que ayudaron a planear la primera fiesta del año.
Trio Pop Caribe
L to R: Ron Bryson, Isa Bryson, Tom González, Kathy González and Herman Santa
L to R: Olga González, Yolanda Sanchez and Ray Sanchez
Luau 1997
Luau with D.J Johnny’s Music at Port St. Lucie community Center
By Herman Santa
The SACI members celebrated their much-anticipated “Luau” on Saturday, August 23, at the Port St. Lucie Community Center. Members and guests started with the customary cocktail, followed by a delicious buffet and then finished with dessert. The music was provided by Johnny’s Music, who entertained us with their hot rhythms, getting everyone on their feet and filling the dance floor. People danced late into the night.
New Year’s 1995
Fiesta de Año Nuevo
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.
Christmas 1995
Spanish American Club, Inc. celebrates Christmas dinner
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, December 2nd, the members of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” celebrated their annual Christmas party at the Women’s Club of Jensen Beach. In the spirit of the holiday season, toys were collected and donated to bring joy to the Christmases of needy families. The toy donation was made to Hope Rural School in Indiantown in Martin County. The toys were delivered to Mr. Herman Santa, the director of the toy collection. For Thanksgiving, the club donated “Food Baskets” to low-income families in Indiantown.
Christmas Toys 1995
The SACI donates Christmas toys.
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, December 2nd, at the Christmas party for the members of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.”, toys were collected for underprivileged children in the area. The donation of the toys was made to the Hope Rural School in Indiantown in Martin County. The toys were delivered to Mr. Herman Santa, the director of the toy collection.
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