Archive
New Year’s 1996
Resultado del baile de Año Nuevo
By Herman Santa
The Spanish American Club, Inc. celebrated the New Year’s Ball on Saturday, December 31, at the Polish American Club halls in Port St. Lucie. The party was entertained by the club’s DJs, Herman Santa and Cesar Bohorquez. The dance started at 9:00 PM and ended at 2:00 AM. The admission was $19.00 per person, which included a bottle of champagne, sandwiches, ice, and soda at each table.
There were streamers, horns, hats, and rattles for everyone. We had a great time with family and friends. Just like last year, the tickets sold out before the day of the party because there were only 100 tickets available to the public, and no tickets were sold at the door.
Christmas Toys 2010
Christmas toys collection a big success
By Herman Santa
The members of the Spanish American Club, Inc.(SACI) celebrated a Christmas Party on Saturday December 18 to collect Christmas toys for needy kids. The SACI continued a 18 year tradition by donating more than 25 holiday toys bags to Helping People Succeeds Healthy Families Program. Agueda Mejia who works for “Helping People Succeed” collected the gift bags for the children. Agueda compiled the list of the children with their names and ages.
Last month, Agueda also helped the club with the distribution of food baskets to low income families in Indiantown in Thanksgiving. Thanks to the board of directors of the club that made this possible and to the members that made donations and helped with the Christmas Toys drive.
Christmas 2010
Members of the Spanish American Club, Inc. celebrated Christmas
By Herman Santa
The members of the Spanish American Club, Inc. celebrated a Christmas Party on Saturday December 18 at a private club house in Port St. Lucie. The president of the club Jimmy Rivera and his wife Kathy welcomed everyone to the event. Admission was free for the members and $10 for their guests that included dinner and door prizes. The meal consisted of pastas, pork, chicken, potatoes, rice and vegetable medleys. A table was set with a birthday cake as dessert with coffee and refreshments.
All the December Birthday members that were present were asked to stand near the big birthday cake while we all sang “Happy Birthday” to them. Among them were Kino Velez, Joe Castro, Nilda Betancourt, Gustavo Santa, Mary Figliola, Kathy Rivera, Jimmy Rivera and Virginia Feliciano. Our 50/50 winner was Norma Castro and the Hat Dance Contest winner was Mary Figliola.
After the meal, our entertainment took the floor. D.J. Alex Mendoza from “Mendoza Sound” did a terrific job entertaining us with his repertory of dancing music from back in our day to modern music like reggaeton, salsa, line dance, etc. Door prizes winners were Isa Bryson, Mercy Roman and Cecilia Pulido.
It was a great Christmas party, every one enjoyed the evening. Thanks to the board of directors and to the members that made donations for the door prizes and for the Christmas Toys for needy kids. A big thank you goes to Nora Candelario and her husband Robert, Delia Diaz and her son Victor Casiano for hosting the party.
The club sponsor scholarships, donates thanksgiving certificates and Christmas toys for low income families. The club also donates non perishable articles to help our troop and school supplies for local schools. Board meetings are held the first week of the month at the board members houses and the members meet once a month at a clubhouse or members residences to eat, socialize and dance.
Christmas Toys 2004
Joy at the Christmas party to collect Christmas toys at El Toro Restaurant
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, December 17th, a small group of members of the Spanish American Club, Inc. gathered at the restaurant “El Toro” in Stuart to celebrate Christmas and collect toys for low-income children in the area.
Thanks to all the members for bringing the gifts, as we had a fun night and enjoyed a delicious dinner. Through this medium, I want to thank Dana and Maite Peterson for reserving and helping with the collection. Also, thanks to the directors; René Cifuentes, Isa Bryson, Gladys Piñeiro, and Marie Andreé Gómez, who called all the members so that no one from the list was left out, as that list continues to grow.
Also, a million thanks to Tony Silvetre from United Neighbors of Indiantown, who always connects me with the families of Alcoholics Anonymous in Indiantown to donate the little gifts on Three Kings Day. And finally, thanks to Agueda Mejía for finding the families who needed gifts at Christmas.
Christmas Toys 2001
Collection of toys for needy children at the Maldonado residence
By Herman Santa
On Sunday, December 16th, the members of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” gathered at the residence of Bill and Neisa Maldonado in Port St. Lucie to collect toys for low-income children.
The toys will be distributed among Latino children in the cities of Indiantown by Herman Santa and Ft. Pierce by Willie González. The club directors thank the members and guests for the Christmas gifts that will brighten the hearts of many low-income children.
Anniversary 1998
6th Anniversary of SACI with D.J. at Jensen Beach Women’s Club
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, June 28, the grand gala was held to celebrate the 6th anniversary of the club in the ballroom of the “Jensen Beach Women’s Club,” where attendees had the opportunity to socialize and enjoy each other’s company.
It has been 6 years since the Spanish American Club, Inc. was founded. In 1992, a group of Hispanic families from Martin and St. Lucie counties formed the nonprofit organization with the purpose of preserving the wealth of Hispanic heritage on the “Treasure Coast.”
The first Board of Directors was composed of 9 directors who wrote the bylaws and filed them in the capital of Florida. This documentation, which has been amended three times to date, clearly defines the purpose and requirements for becoming a member, management, and other legalities required by the organization.
Every year in January, the members elect a Board of Directors whose function is to manage the club. To achieve this goal within the organization, several working committees with well-defined and articulated responsibilities have been established, ensuring that the most diverse areas are fully covered, from recruiting new members, fundraising, organizing activities, and even advertising writing.
The administration’s agenda includes the annual awarding of the scholarship to a Hispanic student, which is the essence of the organization. It also has other projects that will be revealed as they materialize, such as the Domino Tournament, Golf, Bowling, etc., to mention a few.
The members meet at least once a month with their families and friends to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and at the same time to share and integrate with the new members. At these meetings, partners prepare typical dishes from their respective countries and conclude the event with dance music.
Since the club was founded, many new members have joined who have sought their rightful place in the club’s decision-making and have propelled the entry of new members into our organization. The generation that started the club fulfilled their duty with excellence; let us allow these new members to fulfill their purpose.
The annual fee is $50.00 dollars, and we invite all those who wish to preserve their Hispanic heritage to join this organization, so there can be better understanding among Hispanics in our society, more unity, and strength. Interested individuals who want to become members of the organization can write to our club’s P.O. Box. 9356, Port St. Lucie, Fl 34985
Valentine 2000
Annual Valentine with El “Coqui” D.J. at the Community Center in Port St. Lucie
By Herman Santa
The expectations fell short of the success achieved during the Valentine’s party held on the night of Saturday, February 12, at the Port St. Lucie Community Center in Port St. Lucie.
The “Coqui” was sensational, the ambiance elegantly decorated for Valentine’s Day, and the cheerful crowd set the stage for what many had anticipated: a big party that lasted until midnight. The grand ballroom of the “Port St. Lucie Community Center” was filled to capacity to celebrate “Valentine’s Day.” Once it began, right on time, the DJs from Coquí kept the dance floor packed. Angel Santa and Juaquin Plaza, with their energetic show featuring psychedelic lights and smoke, played the best rhythms of the moment, leaving no respite for the dancers, who moved until they were exhausted.
There’s no doubt that a great time was had with family and friends, as well as the sensational 50/50 raffle, important gifts, and certificates. The sponsors of this event were: El Toro Mexican Restaurant and Cantina in Stuart, Pueblo Viejo Mexican Restaurant in Port St. Lucie, Ordoñez Florist in St. Lucie West, Burdines in Jensen Beach, Dillard’s in Jensen Beach, and the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” Many thanks to our sponsors for their generous contributions to the club.
The winners of the prizes were: Gertrudis Aviles from 50/50, Gloria Fischer, certificate from Toro, Maite Peterson, certificate from Pueblo Viejo, Mrs. Sherley, perfume basket from Dillard’s Store, Isabel Castillo, perfume basket from Burdines Store, Mrs. Almeida, floral arrangement from Ordoñes Florist.
The following individuals were the winners of the club’s gifts: Arturo Aguila won a fishing equipment, Robert Betancurt won a flower basket, Ileana Zequeira won a free entry for Mother’s Day, and Dina Santiago won a flower basket.
Get Together 2000 (Peterson)
Get together with Disc Music at the residence of Dana and Maite Peterson in Palm City
By Herman Santa
The invitation was for paella. More than 30 members of SACI accepted the invitation from Maite and Dana Peterson to enjoy paella at their luxurious residence on October 22 in the city of Palm City. The menu promised countless delights: appetizers, wine, bread, salads, Spanish music, and the rich Valencian paella. What elegance! Desserts of all kinds: pudding, papaya sweet, cheese cake, and the delicious “Apple Pies,” what a marvel! Rum with a hint of lemon, ice-cold beer, and then… the paella. The end of happiness. “Oh no… not with shrimp because I am allergic.” “Oh no… not with meat because I am vegetarian.” “Oh no, not with chicken because I don’t eat anything with feathers.”
Definitive. The pig’s tail got twisted. Goodbye dreamed delight. Well, “there” we go. To eat paella at the Petersons’ house. That’s what some of the guests said. End of the story: we ate three. With Spanish-style rice prepared with chicken and various seafood: octopus, squid, clams, shrimp, and prawns.
The paella was not just a success that Maite cooked in front of us. She went all out assisting us, and what can I say about Dana? She made us feel like queens and kings of Spain in her humble home, where peace, harmony, joy, and beauty reign. Thanks to the Petersons for cooking so deliciously and allowing the club members to enjoy their home.
Halloween 2000
Halloween Dance with “Son Caleño” orchestra at the “Port St. Lucie Community Center”
By Herman Santa
A large number of salsa dancers moved to the rhythm of “Son Caleño” when they performed on Saturday, October 28, in Port St. Lucie. The “Port St. Lucie Community Center” served as the venue for the dance that began after 8:00 PM. The dance was fabulous, with most attendees dressed in costumes, turning the event into a true “Halloween” party.
The winners of the costume competition were: 1st place Nick Hevia, who was awarded a check for $25.00. Nick dressed in an Arabian style. In 2nd place was Juan Calderón, who received a free ticket to the “Scholarship Dance.” Juan dressed as a bullfighter, and in 3rd place was Doris P. Gioia, who also won a free ticket to the “Scholarship Dance.” She dressed in a space-themed costume.
The winners of the certificates were: Tony Ortéz, a meal for two at the Restaurant Toro” in Stuart, Jaime Calderón, and Lucinda Zelaya with a free check-up at the “Quality Dental” dentistry in Ft. Pierce. The 50/50 was won by Papo Ocasio. The club directors kept their promise to give the public a dance with a band, and everyone danced until one in the morning to hot music that all attendees enjoyed from start to finish. Those who stayed home missed a great party that won’t be repeated, as next year there will be another Board of Directors, and the forecast is that this kind of event will not be organized for the public.
Dominoes 2000 (Tournament)
Result 3rd. Domino Tournament… The “Novices” Champions at the residence of Graciano Santos
Por Herman Santa
The tournament took place at Martin Santos’ residence in Port St. Lucie on Saturday, November 4, 2000. With the participation of three couples who love the game of Dominoes, the champions were the “Novices” of the “3rd Domino Tournament” of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.”
In a head-to-head competition among six participants in the tournament, three pairs started playing at three in the afternoon and finished at ten at night. The “Novices,” composed of Martín Santos and Alex Lépez, became champions of the year 2000. Martín was born in California but is of Puerto Rican father and Mexican mother. Alex is originally from Honduras. “The Roosters,” made up of Herman Santa and Arnaldo Palenzuela, took the second position. Herman is Puerto Rican and Arnaldo is Cuban. In third place were “The Killer B’s,” composed of Ivan Murrell and José Berroa. Ivan is Panamanian and José is Dominican.
This tournament was similar to the World Series as it featured players from six countries. There were no close games or shutouts. The format consisted of three games per pair, and the couple that won two games became finalists. All three pairs ended up tied, leading to a deciding game for each pair. Other participants who did not attend the championship but paid their fees included Sixto Santa, Willie González, and Victor Swift. The host, Martín Santos, prepared a pot full of flames, Polish sausages, and a cooler of very cold beer. A joyful time was spent among family friends. Thanks to all the participants and to Martín for making the domino tournament a success. We hope to see the champions next year if God permits.
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