Archive
Board 2014
Message from the President 2014 Carlos Bonet
Dear Members and Friends:
Back Row: L to R: Public Relation, Tony Colon; President, Carlos Bonet; Treasurer, Ron Bryson; and Director, Al Feliciano.
Front Row: Secretary, Melissa Bonet-James; Substitute, Fe Vall de Ruten, and Vice President, Nancy Rozon
In 2013 I did not write a President’s Message because I was unsure of what to say or of the things to come. Now 2014 is here and I can dig into 2013 for a well of information about the Spanish American Club, Inc., its past and future members and the activities my family and I have been fortunate to participate in.
When my family and I arrived in Port St. Lucie in 2006 we were very happy to be in town, but there was something missing. We came from New York City and its cultural and artistic vibrancy. For us, Port St Lucie was lacking in activities and information for members of the Hispanic community. My wife and I were searching for our “Latin Flavor”. We tried various clubs, but none felt right or welcoming. We considered starting a club, but were not ready for the endeavor and the circle of friends we had were very limited. Then Ernesta Monroe invited us to a dance held by the Spanish American Club, Inc. Yes, finally a place where we can enjoy our culture and music in a friendly and familial environment.
Ernesta again invited us to attend another event by The Spanish American Club, Inc. She told us that things had gotten much better and that the Board of Directors at that time had made the necessary changes to improve the events even more.. She was very convincing and I now want to thank her for being adamant in our participation. As we participated on a monthly basis in the following events in 2012 we started becoming a part of the regular scene and feeling more and more welcome at the club.
We really appreciated the welcoming smiles and fun loving people we encountered. Herman Santa, then President and original founding member always had a smile and welcoming words. Little by little members approached us and introduced themselves and made us feel welcome. The music was great, the food abundant and the camaraderie was the icing on the cake. I decided to become a member of the club after participating in three events in 2012.
Some months later the club was in need of candidates for the board and I was approached by Nancy Rozon with the words, “You should run for President”, my response was, “are you crazy” people don’t really know me and I am not sure if I want to do it anyway. Herman Santa then joined the chorus and although I really did not want to do it, I felt a sense of pride that people that did not know me were willing to consider me for leadership of this club. After discussion with my wife and family I relented and accepted the nomination and consequently was elected President for 2013. I can now say that I have no regrets in either joining the club or becoming its President. 2013 showed the potential within people to be great.
My team on the board of directors helped me tremendously. I must remind everyone that it was all team work. Alex James (vice-president), Raquel O’Connor (secretary), Ron Bryson (treasurer), Nancy Rozon (Public Relations),Fe Vallderuten (director) , Al Feliciano (substitute) were the backbone of a very successful 2013 Board of Directors for The Spanish American Club, Inc. Herman Santa (founding member) cannot be left out as he continued to support the board and the club. Also being there to advise me when I needed guidance. They worked hard for the club and my success as your President and I thank them very much for their effort on our behalf.
I also would like to acknowledge the members of our club that are not of Hispanic heritage or ancestry, but nonetheless have participated and been part of the luster of the club. They help show that regardless of your culture, people are people and we all want a good life with people of common interests.
And last but not least I want to thank the general membership for their support and participation in our events throughout 2013. Your continued participation in our dances, the picnic, bowling, dominoes, gambling cruise and golf, shows that no matter your age, you are vibrant and active. Having been re-elected president, I now look forward to an active and participatory 2014. Thank you for your continued faith in our board of directors. Carlos A. Bonet – President.
Christmas 2013
Spanish American Club end-of-year party was great to the end at the Sons of Italy clubhouse
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, Dec. 28, more than 150 elegantly attired men and women attended the “End of the Year Dinner Dance Gala” of the Spanish American Club, Inc. at The Sons of Italy in Port St. Lucie. Ron Bryson and Al Feliciano were at the registration table checking the members and their guests, giving them their table numbers and handing out door prizes tickets. Nancy Rozon and Gus Meza sold the drawing tickets (50/50). The members and their guests started with a cocktail then the master of ceremonies and president of the club, Carlos Bonet, welcomed everyone to the party and gave an update of the status of the club. He also had all the birthday members of the month of December stand near the bar so that the D.J. can play a “Happy Birthday” song for them.
Followed the birthday celebration the members and their guests enjoyed a delicious buffet catered by Mandi’s Café and Catering. The meal consisted of salad, bread, chicken, beef burgundy, green beans, rice pilaf, dessert and coffee. After the dinner, everyone enjoyed our D.J. José Ramírez who did a fantastic job entertaining us with his repertoire of songs from back in our day, line dancing and modern salsa music until late in the evening.
During a break the board held the drawings for the door prizes and the 50/50. The 50/50 split winners were Ana Rodriguez and Daisy Aleman. Door prize winners were Dan Carroll, Ruben Aleman, Fred Neydorff, Liz Bonet and Bill Vignier. The food was good, the music was great and the board did a good job organizing the event. To all the members and guests who made donations for the door prizes, we appreciate your generosity. Thank you.
The club was founded the same year that the Hispanics were celebrating 500 years of Spanish heritage on the new continent. The group started with nine families from six different countries such as Cuba, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Perú, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. With the influx of Hispanics in the early 1990s, local Hispanics believed that a social organization was need to unite them. Today, there are over 100 active members. They meet once a month to dine, dance and socialize and meet new members.
Gustavo Santa, Wanda Oquendo, Ursula Carcel, Fred Neyndorff, Virginia Feliciano, Nilda Betancourt, Mary Figliola, Carlos Lopez, Gloria Ramirez, Kathy Rivera, Jimmy Rivera, Ana Rodriguez and Kino Velez.
From left; Dan Carroll, Ruben Aleman, Fred Neyndorff, Liz Bonet and Bill Vignier.
Christmas Toys 2013
Toy Drive a big success
By Herman Santa
The members of the Spanish American Club, Inc.(SACI) collected several Christmas gifts for needy children. They started to collect them at the Thanksgiving Party on Saturday, November 23 at the DAV to be distributed before Christmas Day in Stuart, Indiantown and Port St. Lucie.
The collections were split into two groups. One shared by Herman Santa (Stuart and Indiantown) and the other one by Nancy Rozon (Port St. Lucie). The club continued a 20-year tradition by donating holiday gift bags for needy children in the area. Last month the club distributed food baskets to low-income families in Indiantown for 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. The next event of the club is the “End of the Year Party on Saturday, Dec. 28. Future Events: The General Assembly to elect a new board on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Disabled American Club in Port St. Lucie.
Thanksgiving 2013
Annual Thanksgiving with D.J. José Ramírez at the DAV
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, Nov. 23, members of the Spanish American Club, Inc. gathered at the Disabled American Veterans Club in Port St. Lucie for the annual Thanksgiving party. Ron Bryson and Nancy Rozon were at the registration table checking the members and their guests, giving them their table numbers and handing out door prizes tickets. Al and Virginia Feliciano sold the drawing tickets (50/50). The master of ceremonies was Carlos Bonet, president of the club.
Carlos welcomed everyone to the party and gave us an update of the status of the club. He also had all the birthday members of the month of November stand near the bar so that the D.J. can play a “Happy Birthday” song for them. The hat dance contest winner was Lily Cruz.
The club continued a 20-year tradition by distributing food baskets to low-income families in Indiantown for Thanksgiving and donating holiday gift bags for needy children in the area. During the break Herman Santa and Nancy Rozon from the Christmas Toys Committee collected the Christmas gifts to be donated before Christmas. A big 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.
Our entertainment D.J. José Ramírez did a terrific job entertaining us with his repertoire of songs from back in our day and modern salsa music. He had us dancing until late at night. Our President Carlos Bonet and his board are always doing great parties every month. The parties are just so great, they keep us coming back.
From left: Millie Asencio and José Ramírez
L to R; Dana Peterson, Linda Manzanares, Carlos Lopez and Fe Vall de Ruten
L to R: Nancy Rozon, Vivian Megaro, Yolanda Foy and Billy Betancourt
L to R: Carlos Bonet, Al Feliciano, Alex James, Nancy Rozon, Raquel O’Connor, Herman Santa and Ron Bryson
Halloween 2013
Halloween Dance with D.J. José Ramírez at the DAV
By Herman Santa
The Spanish American Club, Inc. sponsored a Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Disabled American Veterans Club in Port St. Lucie. Treasurer Ron Bryson and Secretary Al Feliciano handled registration at the door. Each attendee received a door prize ticket. There were birthday celebrations, 50/50 drawings, door prizes and, of course, the best Halloween costumes.
While the D.J. played a birthday song, the secretary Al Feliciano called up front all the members that were present to celebrate their birthdays of the month of October.
Mirta Zapata and Virginia Feliciano won the door prizes. Xiomara Guanill Linda Manzanares won the 50/50. Erika Rodriguez and Al Manzanares won the best Halloween costumes. The board is appreciative of all participants who purchased scholarship drawing tickets, the members that donated door prizes, helped with the decorations and setup and participated in our event.
L to R: Mirta Zapata, Virginia Feliciano,
50/50
Xiomara Guanill and Linda Manzanares
Al Manzanares
Anniversary 2013
21st Anniversary of SACI with D. J. José Ramírez at the DAV
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, Sept. 28, members and supporters of the Spanish American Club, Inc. gathered to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the club at the Disabled American Veteran Club in Port St. Lucie. This beautiful affair was chaired by Alex James, vice president of the club, in coordination with other board members, Nancy Rozon, Ron Bryson, and Al Feliciano. Before the raffle drawings, James called up to the podium former board of directors that were present, for recognition of their contributions and dedicated work on behalf of the club. Among them were Herman Santa, Kathy Rivera, Jimmy Rivera, Mary Figliola, Isa Bryson, Kino Vélez, Gladys Vélez, Karen Diamond, Lucy Santa and Nora Candelario.
Spanish American Club Inc., co-founder Herman Santa presented a very informative update about the club’s current status and its growth in membership. As of Sept. 28, there were 24,465 views of the website and 465 articles have been posted since 1992, the club’s inception. The club has donated $16,000 in scholarships, to 32 local Treasure Coast high school graduates of Hispanic heritage since 1992. Membership in the Spanish American Club has risen from 18 members in 1992 to 136 and the club continues to receive requests for applications for membership.
D. J. José Ramírez entertained the guests and everyone enjoyed dancing to the end. Later in the evening, the D.J. played a birthday song to celebrate the birthdays of Karen Diamond, Carly Werhly, José Ramírez and Joe Abbate. There were two door prizes and a 50/50 drawing to top off the event. The 50/50 winner was Marilena Romero.
The nonprofit organization’s mission is to unite Hispanics throughout the Treasure Coast, in order to preserve our Hispanic Heritage. Throughout the year, the members meet once a month to socialize, dine and dance. The group also gives three scholarships to local high school students. In November the members give food baskets in Thanksgiving for low income families and in December the members collect Christmas toys for needy children.
Karen Diamond, Carly Werhly, José Ramírez and Joe Abbate.
Independence 2013
Independence Celebration with D.J. José Ramírez at “DAV”
By Herman Santa
Members of The Spanish American Club, Inc. hosted the Annual Independence Celebration on Saturday, July 27 at the Disabled American Veteran’s Club in Port St. Lucie.
The members and their guests enjoyed a night of socialization, dancing and door prizes. The party began with the president of the club, Carlos Bonet thanking the members for their attendance and support and updating them of the coming events. Following the president’s speech, members born in the month of July were sung Happy Birthday. Among them were Ron Bryson and Yvonne Bonet.
After the celebration of birthdays, the directors held the raffles (Grand prize, 50/50 and the door prize) and the hat dance contest. The grand prize winner (40” Sony LED TV) was Celia Santiago, the 2nd Prize winner (Blu Ray DVD Player) was Billy Betancourt and the 3rd Prize winner (Gift certificate at Applebee’s) was Alex James. The 50/50 winners were: Virginia Feliciano and Isa Bryson. The door prize winner was Robert Rodergeau and the hat dance contest winner was Al Manzanares. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the Raffles will go to the Spanish American Clubs’ Scholarship Program.
Big thanks go to the members and their guests who bought tickets for the raffles. And finally, many thanks to the door prizes donors, to the members who helped with the decorations, the set ups and planned the event.
Scholarship Award 2013
Spanish American Club, Inc. awarded scholarships
By Herman Santa
The Spanish American Club, Inc. is proud to recognize three outstanding students selected to receive the club’s 2013 scholarship awards. The recipients are: Vanessa Guarnizo, Pamela Garcia and Sarahi Monjaras.
Vanessa Guarnizo was born in Bogota, Colombia. Her parents, Fernando and Aidaly were born in Bogota, Colombia and now are living in Port St. Lucie. She graduated from Lincoln ParkAcademy. She is attending University of Florida and majoring in Biomedical Engineering.
Pamela Garcia was born in Chicago, Illinois. Her parents, Mariano and Claudia are of Mexican descent and now are in living in Stuart. She graduated from SouthForkHigh School. Pamela will attend University of CentralFlorida. She will major in English and she would like to pursue a career as an author.
Sarahi Monjaras was born in Stuart and graduated from ClarkAdvancedLearningCenter. Her parents, Misael and Irma Monjaras were born in Mexico and now are living in Stuart. She will attend FlaglerCollege and she will major in English and will pursue a career in Journalism.
The scholarship committee selected the students for their achievements, trustworthiness, character, responsibility, fairness, caring and academics. The following members are part of the committee: Herman Santa (chair), Nancy Rozon, Isa Bryson and Melissa Bonet- James, co-chairs.
The SACI scholarship was established in 1992 for low-income students. Over the past 21 years, the club has awarded more than $18,000 in scholarships to the youths of Martin and St. Lucie counties. The board raises money for the scholarships by having monthly parties. The board also organizes other events such as picnics and cruises to raise funds for the scholarship and to run the club.
The following members are part of the board: Carlos Bonet, president; Alex James, vice president; Raquel O’Connor, secretary; Ron Bryson, treasurer; Nancy Rozon, public relations; Fe Vallderuten, director; and Al Feliciano, substitute.
Rummykub 2013
Great game of Rummy at the beach
By Herman Santa
Members, families and friends of Spanish American Club, Inc. (SACI) attended the annual family picnic on Saturday, April 27. The weather was perfect for an outdoor event. Lots of food, music, games and laughs were had by all.
Father’s 2013
Spanish American Club celebrates Father’s Day
By Herman Santa
Members of the Spanish American Club, Inc. held its annual Father’s Day dance on June 22 at the Disabled American Veterans Club in Port St. Lucie. The party began with the president of the club Carlos Bonet thanking the members for their attendance and support and updating them of the next events. Followed the president’s speech, the members and their guests enjoyed a delicious buffet catered by Mandi’s Café and Catering.
After the dinner, the board conducted the raffles for the door prizes and the 50/50. The winners were: Bill Vignier, Judith Slocum, Al Manzanares Annie Borras and Cecilia Pulido. Followed the raffles, our entertainer Dee Jay José Ramírez honored all the father with the song “Mi Viejo” and played a Happy Birthday song for members and their guests who were celebrating their birthdays during the month of June, among them were: Vicky Rodriguez, Alicia Abbate, Roberta Linares, Maite Peterson and Cecilia Pulido. D.J. José Ramirez as usual, did a nice job by keeping everyone dancing with good Latin rhythms. Special thanks to the donors of the door prizes. Next event is on Saturday, July 27 at the same location.
L to R: Carlos Bonet (President), Annie Borraz, Cecilia Pulido and Nancy Rozon (Public Relations).
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