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Scholarship Award 2018
Scholarship Award
By Herman Santa
Four extraordinary graduating seniors from St. Lucie County public High Schools were recently recognized as this year’s Spanish American Club, Inc. (SACI). This year’s winners were Alexis Weist, Cecilia E. Calderon, India M. Crosske and Johana Hernandez
This year scholarship committee Chair Nancy Rozon and Co-chairs Elizabeth Mejía did a magnificent job selecting the students and running the program smoothly. This year The Spanish American Club, Inc. board of directors are Ruben Aleman; president, Nancy Rozon; vice president, Luis Carrillo; treasurer, Ray Guadalupe; public relations, Carlos Mejía; director and Charlie Quiles; Substitute director.
Over the past 26 years, the club has awarded more than $31,000 in scholarships to 48 Hispanic seniors of Martin and St. Lucie counties. The scholarship is based on need and a proven record of academic excellence.
SACI was the first Hispanic social, civic and sport club to award scholarships to Hispanic seniors from Martin and St. Lucie Counties public High Schools. Today, the nonprofit club continues to embrace diversity and give all members of the community an equal chance to pursue their dreams.
The mission of the club is to promote friendship and solidarity among its members, neighbors and other non-profit organizations of the Treasure Coast through cultural, social, civic, charity and sports activities to promote knowledge of the Spanish speaking countries, their geography, history, art and folklore.
Scholarship Committee 2018
Scholarship Committee
By Herman Santa
The Spanish American Club, Inc. (SACI) scholarship is available to graduating seniors who live in Martin and St. Lucie counties. The scholarship is administered by the Spanish American club, Inc. Scholarship Committee. This year new board of directors are: Ruben Alemán, President, Nancy Rozón Vice president, Al Feliciano; Secretary, Luis Carrillo; Treasurer, Ray Guadalupe; Public Relations, Isa Bryson; Director and Carlos Mejía; Substitute.
The scholarship committee are: Nancy Rozon, Director, Carlos Bonet and Fe Vall de Ruten. The SACI scholarship was established in 1994 for low-income Hispanic students. More than $25,000 has been awarded to local students. Thirty-nine high school seniors from Martin and St. Lucie counties have benefited from the scholarships.
The scholarships are awarded based on career interest academic achievement, financial need and other criteria. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average (GPA). Letters of recommendation are accepted. Two students will be selected ($1,000 each) after one-on-one interview by the Spanish American Club, Inc. Scholarship Committee.
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements for consideration: (1) Martin or St. Lucie county senior. (2) Resident of either county. (3) Copy of the original transcript from the high school and (4) the student must read, write and speak Spanish.
Mother’s 2018
Annual Mother’s Day Dance with D.J. José Ramírez at “DAV”
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, May 26, the traditional Mother’s Day Dinner Dance of the Spanish American Club, Inc. was celebrated at the Disabled American Veterans Club in Port St. Lucie.
D.J. José Ramírez provided the entertainment, Master of ceremonies were Rubén Alemán and Ray Guadalupe. The event started with Mr. Alemán, who welcomed everyone and gave us an update of the status of the club. Following the president’s speech the members and their guests enjoyed a delicious Latin buffet. The meal consisted of salad, bread, medley veggies, pulled pork, stew chicken, yucca, white rice, red beans, black beans, rice with pigeon peas, Pastelillos, dessert and coffee.
After the dinner, the D.J. played a Mother’s Day song and a Happy Birthday song for members and their guests who were celebrating their birthdays during the month of April and May, among them were: Carlos Mejía, Colberto Bodden, Carlos Bonet, Millie Asencio, Ruben Alemán, José Santiago, Blanca Stella Paez, Lucy Santa, Herman Santa, Al Manzanares, Irving Carvajal and Eliécer Torres.
After the birthday celebrations our Public Relation Director Ray Guadalupe reminded us of the meaning of the Memorial Day. We honored them by reciting the pledge of allegiance. Then he proceeds with the raffles. All proceeds from the raffles will go to our scholarship and general funds of the club. Following the raffles, our scholarship director Nancy Rozon presented Johanna Hernández and Cecilia Calderon, two of four scholarship recipients this year.
The D.J. again kept everyone on their feet all night with his repertoire of Latin music. Like always it was an evening filled with laughs, good Latin food, dancing, raffles and good camaraderie.
A big thank to our president Rubén Alemán and his directors, Vice President Nancy Rozon; Treasurer Luis Carillo; Secretary Giselle Borrás; Public Relations Ray Guadalupe, Director Carlos Mejía and Substitute Charlie Quiles . A special thanks to the buffet helpers for their assistance in serving the food. Finally, a Big Thanks to all the members and their guests who attended and bought raffle tickets.
The Spanish American Club, Inc. was founded in 1992. The mission of the club is to; promote friendship and solidarity among its members and other non-profit organizations of the Treasure Coast through cultural, social, civic and sport activities to; promote knowledge of the Spanish speaking countries, their geography, history, art, and folklore.
Félix Asencio.
Scholarship winners
From left Carlos Mejia, Ray Guadalupe, Rubén Aleman, Nancy Rozon, Johanna Hernández (2018 scholarship winner), Cecilia Calderon (2018 scholarship winner) and Elizabeth Mejía
Dominoes 2018
“Picnic” Dominoes games at the Jensen Beach Park
By Herman Santa
The event was held at Jensen Beach Park on Hutchinson Island on Saturday, April 29. Perfect weather for a picnic kept everyone enjoying a barbecue with drinks, music and games. While some enjoyed the beach, others socialized, dance. played dominoes, volleyball and rummykub.
Picnic 2018
Annual Picnic at Jensen Beach Park
By Charlie Quiles
“Summer time and the livin’ is easy…” is the way the song goes. But not for this group, their mantra would have been, “Fiesta! Fiesta! Todo el Dia!” (Party! Party! All day long!). The aroma of sizzling hamburgers and hot dogs filled the air. Latin music courtesy of Luis Arroyo drew the invited guests and their families to pavilion #4. This is how the members of the Spanish American Club, Inc. welcomed the beginning of summer. This year’s festivity was held at the Jensen Beach Park on Hutchinson Island, Jensen Beach.
Refreshments were plenty, hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken and potato salad were served up by Ray Guadalupe, his daughter Ariana (Can you believe she came all the way down from Kissimmee.), Carlos Mejia and Ruben Aleman. Homemade guacamole, corn bread, even Italian cookies, to name a few, were shared by all. Drinks of all sorts were available. Oh yeah, and then there was that coffee. It hit the spot thanks to Annie Borrás.
Members were greeting one another with hugs and kisses as if attending a huge family reunion. Wait a minute, that describes exactly what we are. One big happy family, sharing photos, smiling, while taking new ones. Our more energetic members demonstrated their prowess on the volleyball court. Sometimes punching, sometimes diving but mostly chasing the ball that went rolling off the court. We on the sidelines regretted our inability to participate for whatever reason. However we enjoyed watching the efforts put forth by these valiant weekend warriors.
Except for these volleyball players or those sunbathing and swimming at the beach on this beautiful and cloudless sunny day most of us were relieved by the cool breeze blowing through the pavilion. We lounged about engaged in all forms of activity. Laughing children ran about while our more elderly tacticians sat at their domino tables keenly observing their opponents in a grand match of wits. We conversed, we joked all while listening to Latin music. Occasionally Carlos Mejia tooted his whistle, counted, “…1, 2, 3” then everyone joined in with, “wuoOH!!!”. Elizabeth Mejia had the first winning ticket in the 50/50 raffle. A moment of excitement came when our president, Ruben Aleman won the second prize. Immediately, someone shouted out, good-naturedly, “Trampa! Trampa!”(Cheat! Cheat!). This drew laughter from the group. Overall, this picnic was a huge success on a day specifically tailored for fun, fun, fun.
Again, as usual, all of this was made possible through the hard work of our Board of Directors: President – Ruben Aleman; Vice President – Nancy Rozon; Treasurer – Luis Carillo; Secretary – Giselle Borrás; Public Relations Director – Ramon Guadalupe, and; Director – Carlos Mejia. As for the rest of us, a special shout out to Ariana Guadalupe for helping out with the grill and Yvonne Bonet for assisting Nancy at the welcoming table. If I have forgotten anyone, pardon me. We applaud your efforts. Thank you all.
The Spanish American Club, Inc. is a not-for-profit social organization comprised of members in Martin and St. Lucie who are dedicated to the promotion and preserve the Hispanic heritage on the Treasure Coast. Hasta la proxima! (Until next time!)
From left (Back Row) Josie Guadalupe, Ariana Guadalupe, Carlos Bonet and Herman Santa (Front Row) Carlos Mejia, Tony Cruz, Al Feliciano and Al Peña
Elizabeth Mejia and Rubén Aleman
Spring 2018
Annual Spring Dance with D.J. at Club Med
By Herman Santa
The Spanish American Club, Inc. annual Club Med dinner dance “Spring Flint” on Saturday, April 21 was a big celebration that was enjoyed by members and their guests.
The event was held at the beautiful Club Med Resort in Port St. Lucie. The members and their guest enjoyed drinks, a delicious dinner, live entertainment and dancing until 1 A.M. A big “Thank You” to Carlos Bonet, event coordinator for his generosity to plan the party.
The club is a nonprofit membership organization from Martin and St. Lucie counties. The club was founded in 1992 and it is the oldest social, civic, benevolence and sport organization on the Treasure Coast. The mission of the club is to promote friendship and solidarity among its members and other non profit institutions of the Treasure Coast through cultural, social and civic activities and to promote the knowledge of the Spanish speaking countries, their geography, history, art and folklore.
Members and their guests enjoying a delicious dinner
From left Ray Guadalupe, Roberto Vélez, Al Peña and Rubén Rivera
From left Carlos Mejía, Elizabeth Mejía, Noemi Sanabria, Félix Sanabria, Javier Andrade, Herman Santa, Lucy Santa, Patricia Manzanares, Linda Manzanares and Al Manzanares
From left Domingo Sanchez, Melissa Sanchez, Carlos Bonet, Ivonne Bonet, Josie Guadalupe, Virginia Feliciano, Unidentified guest and Diana Nieves
From left Sonia Hernandez, Unidentified guest, Lillian Cruz, Tony Cruz, Orlando Ruiz and Catalina Ruiz
Members and their guests dancing after the dinner
Golf 2018 (Tournament-Holy Family)
The Spanish American Club, Inc. golfers sponsored Veterans Golf Tournament
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, April 21, 2018, some members of The Spanish American Club, Inc. participated on the Golf Tournament of the Holy Family at Gator Trace Golf Course in Ft. Pierce.
Among the participants representing the club were Herman Santa, Deacon Angel Rivera, Ruben Aleman, Lou Rosa, Ray Guadalupe, David Santiago, Carlos Bonet, Orlando Tirado and Gus Migliore
David Santiago won the “Longest Drive” and the “Closest to the Pin”. Thanks to all participants who went above and beyond for a good cause.
Golf 2018 (Tournament-United Vets)
The Spanish American Club, Inc. golfers sponsored Veterans Golf Tournament
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, Marc 24, some members of The Spanish American Club, Inc. participated on the Golf Tournament of the United Veterans of Saint Lucie County, Inc. at Gator Trace Golf Course in Ft. Pierce. Among the participants representing the club were Ray Guadalupe, Ruben Aleman, Herman Santa and José Garcia. José Garcia won the Longest Drive (Hole # 11) and Ruben Aleman won a Gift Basket. Thanks to all participants who went above and beyond for a good cause.
Mardi Gras 2018
The Spanish American Club, Inc. hosted “Mardi Gras-Earth Day” at Polish American Social Club
By Charlie Quiles
The Spanish American Club, Inc. hosted Mardi Gras/Earth Day Dinner/Dance Event on Saturday, March. 17 at the Polish American Social Club in Port St. Lucie located on Prima Vista Boulevard. Our members, it seems, view these dances as a monthly ritual. One lady by the name of Mary put it this way, “I need this, at least once a month and sometimes more”. (That’s when the other Latin American club in Port St. Lucie holds its bi-monthly affair). Yeah, many of our members agree with her. The allure of the Latin sound is so appealing that we need our fix, so to speak. It was no different with this evening’s festivities.
We started the night feasting on a choice of roasted chicken (Have I mentioned before how huge that bird is?), salmon fish or a vegetable lasagna (a new dish suggested to satisfy our vegan members). Both the chicken and salmon were served on a bed of rice pilaf with a side of mixed vegetables. For dessert the house chef prepared a flavorful pastry dish filled with fruit in custard pudding and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Con barrigas llenas y corazones contentos (with bellies full and hearts content) as my wife would so aptly put it we were all drawn to the dance floor by those addicting Latin sounds I had mentioned before. First up, how about a tune to drive those evil spirits away. DJ Ramirez offered up singer Pitbull’s ‘Echa pa’lla’.
The dance floor quickly filled. Everyone was flailing their arms up in the air, then down and then side to side with gestures, we believe, to cast our demons aside. That definitely freed up our souls and the night progressed from there. Boleros, salsas, merengues, bachata and the unique pasodoble were the order of the night. Lest we forget, plenty of cumbias A break in the music came when public relations director, Ray Guadalupe, awarded the winners of the door prizes. With hecklers yelling out,
“Chocolatealo, muevelo, duro, duro!” (a good humored call to mix it up good like you do with a hot cup of cocoa). A volunteer turned the cage with the potential winning numbers. At times, he even lifted the cage shaking it vigorously to the delight of the crowd. He picked a ticket and handed it to Ray. This process continued until the lucky group consisting of Stella Páez, Alma Lacayo, Cecilia Pulido, Maritza Rivera and Gilberto Ferri were selected (The Club thanks all of those members who donated these gifts, by the way). The 50/50 raffle drawing had two happy winners Theresa Peña for $75 and Alma Lacayo for $40 (proceeds benefiting our Club’s scholarship fund). Notable tonight were the drawings for three ‘baskets of cheer’. They were won by Félix Sanabria, Carlos Bonet and Millie Asencio.
The ‘March Madness’ birthday members were honored by the Club with the celebratory chant, ‘Happy Birthday to You’. They were: Virginia Gonzalez, Tiffany Rivera, Jack Letra, Diane González, Dana Peterson, Norman Payne, Gina Simonelli and Lance Tholke. At this point, we were all eager to resume the dance. However the DJ played a piece of music not normally heard in this venue. It sounded like something out of ‘Zorba the Greek’. We were all momentarily puzzled by it until we noticed a solitary dancer performing his own rendition of ‘Zorba’. A young lady joined him for a brief period but then retreated back to herseat. By this time the audience was completely enraptured. They were going up to him and tucking dollar bills in his belt, in his shirt pocket, wherever they could make them stick. It was the most amusing display you could ever envision. After it was all done, señor Ray Matias gathered up all of his earnings and donated it to the Club. It was the most remarkable event of the night. The dance continued for the rest of the evening. Smiling faces and laughter expressed the degree of fun that we were all enjoying. President Ruben Aleman thanked all of the attendees and reminded all of us of the upcoming affairs for the month of April.
Again, as usual we would be remiss if we did not mention the monumental effort put forth by President Ruben Aleman and his dedicated Board of Directors. A special shout out goes to Ruben Alemán, Ray Guadalupe and Nancy Rozon for the beautifully prepared ‘baskets of cheer’ and finally Carlos Mejía and Uta McFadden (Who helped selling the raffle tickets). The club is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1992 to promote the Hispanic heritage on the Treasure Coast.
Valentine 2018
Annual Valentine Dance with D.J José Ramírez Polish American Social Club
By Charlie Quiles
The Spanish American Club celebrated Valentine’s Day on Feb. 23 as a way to prolong that feeling of mutual love. The evening’s gala was at the Polish American Social Club in Port St. Lucie on Prima Vista Boulevard.
It was a magical moment in time. Some Latino brothers put their cloth napkins to good use, swinging them all around while the Latina sisters flicked their hand fans, all to the rhythmical beats of the cumbia sound. The salsero and merenguero dancers were egged on by DJ Jose Ramirez’s call, acknowledging each American nationality, each of the countrymen responding with exclamatory cheers. The evening started off with a feast of roasted chicken, pork loin or haddock, accompanied by a sauced scallop potatoes and a variety of steamed vegetables.
Dinner/Event Coordinator and Public Relations Director Ramon Guadalupe presented the winners of the door prizes: Aida Vélez, Daisy Alemán, Yvonne Bonet, Annie Borrás and Sonia Echevarría. Thanks to all the members who donated these prizes. Proceeds of the 50/50 drawings go toward the club’s scholarship fund. Thanks also were offered to club President Ruben Aleman and the board of directors for making the Valentine’s Day dinner/dance a wonderful night out on the town.
On a final note, the only blunder of the night came with the distribution of the flyers. Evidently, the person who had translated the English to Spanish text (Oops! That was me and my significant other) made a mistake. Under the dress code we translated “no shorts” as “sin cortocircuitos.” It’s literal translation back to the English being “no short circuit.” It is obvious that for anyone dancing on liquid that would be quite perilous, not to mention light up the dance floor. However, the agreed upon revised translation will be “sin pantalones cortos.” This phrase has been corrected in all of the subsequent Spanish flyers. Our sincerest apologies to the membership for this mistake. To all those members who do, in fact, dance in the rain this would be excellent advice to follow.
From left Ana Rodriguez, Theresa Peña and Ruben Alemán
From left Nancy Rozon, Galud Segura, Maria Allen, Al Feliciano, Maria Quiles and Giselle Borrás
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