Archive
Bowling 2003
Preparing for the 1st bowling tournament of the SACI
By Herman Santa
The members of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” (S.A.C.1.) invite you to their “First Bowling Tournament” to be held at the “St. Lucie Lanes,” located at 6759 South U.S. 1 in Port St. Lucie on Sunday, July 20. The tournament rules are as follows: registration is $30 per person. Members will pay $25 per person. The fee does not include shoe rental. 6 people per lane, 4 games per person. Trophies for the top three places with the highest scores during the tournament. You may bring your family. The bowling committee reserves the right of admission. The last day to submit the money is June 29.
The objectives for this tournament are to raise funds for the scholarship of a Hispanic student in the area and to make bowling a link for social development in the club. I am completely sure that any bowler will find this tournament interesting and will have a good time. If we succeed and God allows, we could do it every year. Some of the members are practicing the last Sunday of each month at the same bowling alley. The next practice is scheduled for Sunday, May 24th. To fill out the application and for more information, you can call the Bowling Committee. Activities like this help our club continue to move forward. Let’s go bowling!

Get Together 2003 (Palenzuela)
Get Together with Disc Music at the residence of Arnaldo and María Palenzuela in Port St. Lucie
By Herman Santa
On the afternoon of Saturday, May 3, the monthly meeting of the members was held at the residence of Arnaldo and Lupe Palenzuela. The traditional monthly “Get-Together” was celebrated with drinks, food, and good music. At the Get-Together, members and guests enjoyed a magnificent gathering at the residence of the club’s President. During the welcoming cocktail, attendees savored a “5 de Mayo” style platter. Dinner began with a buffet (salad, roasted pork, white rice, stew meat, chili, and flautas), and for dessert, a Cuban flan that sweetened everyone’s taste.
Los Palenzuelas, as charismatic as ever, made everyone present have a pleasant and fun afternoon. As is customary in these gatherings of the members, photos were taken that will be part of the club’s album, where we will remember those parties and meetings where we enjoyed so many good times.

Get Together 2003 (Betancourt)
Get Together with Disc Music at the residence of Lily Betancour Roberto in Port St. Lucie
By Herman Santa
What better way to start this season than with a “Get Together”? Roberto and his wife Lily Betancourt opened the doors of their home on Saturday, January 19, in the city of Port St. Lucie to inaugurate and happily commence the monthly meetings of the members of the ‘Spanish American Club, Inc. Despite being a little cold outside, we had fun and enjoyed ourselves in the “Family Room” that Roberto and Lily had prepared for us to celebrate the occasion. What a tremendous start to the year 2003!
Finally, thanks to the Betancourt family for their generosity and hospitality. The next event is planned to celebrate “Valentine’s Day” on Saturday, February 8th, starting at 9 PM until 2 AM with “D.J. Sam” at the Disabled American Veteran Club in Port St. Lucie. Admission is $10 per person, and you may bring your own liquor. Tickets are already on sale. For more information, please call the Board of Directors.



Christmas Toys 2002
Festivities and tributes of SACI at the Don Ramón restaurant
By Herman Santa
With music, dinner, and dancing, the members of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” celebrated the last party of the year at the restaurant “Don Ramon” in Stuart. Members and guests gathered on Saturday, December 28, to celebrate Christmas and end the year with a grand celebration, enjoying a sumptuous buffet consisting of meats (roast pork, chicken julienne, and ropa vieja), rice, black beans, ripe plantains, etc. Before dinner, members and guests started with a cocktail.
The club president, Gladys Pieño, welcomed everyone and thanked them for the gifts for “Three Kings Day” that were distributed to needy children in Indiantown and Ft. Pierce. After dinner, the efforts of individuals who have contributed their time and collaboration to the club were recognized. A plaque was presented to businesswoman Maria J. Bello, president of the newspaper “El Mundo Hispano” and the magazine “Vision.”
Plates were also presented to the former director of the newspaper, Carlos D. Ramírez Flores, and Juan Piñeiro for their work and great cooperation with our club. As usual, the talented and jovial “D.J. Sam” entertained us until one in the morning with his repertoire of Christmas music. Finally, for the members who want to continue celebrating, the “Get Together” for the members of 2003 will be held on Saturday, January 18, at the residence of the Betancourt family in Port St. Lucie.

Anniversary 2002
10th Anniversary of SACI with the orchestra “Sonora Son Caribe” from Orlando, featuring Colombian folkloric group “Candela Viva” from Orlando and D.J. “Blast” from Ft. Pierce at the luxurious River House restaurant in Jensen Beach
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, July 20, the members of the Spanish American Club, Inc. celebrated their “10th Anniversary” at the luxurious River House restaurant in Jensen Beach. The party was organized by Mr. Bobby Rodriguez, owner of L & B Latin Productions, to celebrate “Colombia’s Independence.” The president of the club, Mrs. Gladys Piñeiro, reserved a little corner for the members in front of the dance floor.
The dance was enlivened by the orchestra “Sonora Son Caribe” from Orlando, complemented by D.J. Blast from Ft. Pierce. During a break, the Colombian folkloric group “Candela Viva” from Orlando performed typical Colombian dances, including Bambuco and Cumbia, in celebration of Colombia’s independence. For many of the members present, the evening began with a cocktail, followed by dinner, and afterwards we enjoyed a delicious cake specially ordered for the occasion. Although it was a bit warm due to the doors leading to the “Tiki Bar” being opened to accommodate the crowd, we spent a night full of joy, laughter, and Latin flavor until two in the morning.
I would not like to say goodbye without thanking the Board of Directors for organizing the event. We also need to thank Bobby Rodriguez, the patio promoter, who allowed us to celebrate our 10th anniversary with them. I take this opportunity to announce that our next event, “Hawaiian Party,” is scheduled for Saturday, August 10, with “D.J. Sam” at the Disabled American Veteran Club in Port St. Lucie. For more information, please call the Board of Directors.


Awards 2002 (Bello)
Recognized member, Maria Bello
Por Herman Santa
On Saturday December 28, 2002, Maria Bello, owner of the newspaper “El Mundo Hispano” received an award for her contribution to our club. The plaque was presented by Gladys Piñeiro at the Annual Christmas Party at Don Ramon Restaurant.

Get Together 2002 (Santa)
Monthly Get Together at the residence of Herman and Lucy Santa in Jensen Beach
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, September 28, the club members gathered at the residence of Herman and Lucy Santa in Jensen Beach to celebrate the usual “Monthly Get Together of the club.” The members of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” are a group of humble, hardworking families who are above all cheerful. We are looking for ways to strengthen the Hispanic community in the area to preserve our Hispanic heritage and participate in civic, social, and recreational events. Our next activity is planned for Saturday, May 11, at the Disabled American Club in Port St. Lucie.



Luau 2002
Luau with “D.J. Sam” at DAV
By Herman Santa
The “Spanish American Club, Inc.” (SACI) successfully celebrated the traditional Hawaiian Party on August 10 at the “Disabled American Club” in Port St. Lucie. The dance was animated by “D.J. Sam” from Indiantown, who had us dancing with hot and lively rhythms until one in the morning. The “Hawaiian Party” has built a reputation for being the only Hawaiian dance with a Latin flavor in the area, and this year was no exception, as prizes were awarded for the six best costumes.
Among the ladies, the 1st prize was won by Luz Beatriz Lozano, a ticket to Bobby Rodriguez’s party at “Cocobongo” in West Palm Beach. The 2nd prize was awarded to Kristal Cifuentes, a ticket to Cocobongo. The 3rd prize went to Olga González, a ticket to Roberto Roldán’s party at the Community Center of Port St. Lucie. Among the gentlemen, the 1st prize was won by Juan Piñeiro, a dinner at Boston Market in Stuart. The 2nd prize was awarded to Mario Alvarado, a dinner at Boston Market. The 3rd prize went to Carlos Cantillo, a haircut at Adela’s Hair Salon in Port St. Lucie.
The judges were Bobby Rodríguez, Nancy Napoleón, and Willie González. Other winners of the “Door Prizes” were Hilarie Hubguardner, Francis Acosta, and Carlos Calle, and the 50/50 was won by Nancy Napoleón. The occasion was also used to celebrate Juan Piñeiro’s birthday and his wedding anniversary with his wife Gladys. Congratulations!
The concept of the Luau originated when the club was founded in 1992. It is customary for gentlemen to wear Hawaiian shirts and ladies to wear Hawaiian dresses for the event. Thanks to all who donated gift certificates and to those who worked hard to make this party a success.



Get Together 2002 (Zequiera)
Get Together with Disc Music at the residence of Iliana Zequiera in Port St. Lucie
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, August 24, the members held their monthly meeting at Iliana Zequiera’s residence in the city of Port St. Lucie. As usual, the party was filled with joy, snacks, music, and exquisite typical Latin food such as roasted pork, rice with pigeon peas, rice with chicken, stewed chicken, black beans, and pasta to name a few. And as always, we ended with dessert, coffee, and music. Thank you, Iliana.



Mother’s 2003
Annual Mother’s Day with D.J. Johnny Saltos at “DAV”
By Herman Santa
In an atmosphere of camaraderie and strong family unity, the dance in honor of “Mothers” was held on Saturday, May 17, at the Disabled American Veterans club in Port St. Lucie. Members and guests of the Spanish American Club, Inc. (SACI) gathered to dance to the rhythm of salsa until 1:30 a.m. The doors of the venue opened before 8:00 p.m., and immediately D.J. Johnny Saltos began the dance with his repertoire of modern and classic music.
During a recess, the awards for the night were announced, which included the 50/50 raffle, prizes, and three certificates. The winners were as follows: Eda Calderon (50/50), Pamela Besemer (Gold Change), Ms. Guillén (a ticket for the Hispanic Beauty Queen in Melbourne), and Daniel González (a ticket for the Halloween Party). All night, members and guests delighted, danced, and enjoyed the rhythm of “Johnny’s Music.” Without a doubt, the event was fantastic. Thanks to the Board of Directors for organizing this traditional dance.
