Archive
Event 2001 (Garage Sale)
Garage Sale at (Santa)
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, April 2, 2001, the members held a “Tag Sale”. Some people call it Garage Sale others Yard Sale. Whatever the name that is called, it was a success thanks to the committee. Our thanks and gratitude go to all the members that made donations for the “Garage Sale” and to raise funds for the scholarship.



Anniversary 1999
7th Anniversary of SACI with music at the restaurant “El Toro” in the city of Stuart
By Herman Santa
The monthly meeting “Get Together” of the Spanish American Club, Inc. was a dinner to celebrate the “7th Anniversary” of the club on Saturday, March 21, at the Mexican restaurant “El Toro” in the city of Stuart.
The partners and guests enjoyed a delicious Mexican meal prepared by the owner of the restaurant, Néstor Martinez. Mr. Martinez has donated many certificates for the club’s scholarship.



Christmas 2000
Parrandazo 2000 at the residence of the Santas
By Herman Santa
Christmas is a special time of year, a season of joy for some and nostalgia for others. However, for everyone equally, it’s a time of rituals and traditions, among which a musical party with professional musicians during “Las Pascuas” is quite delightful. The “Parrandas,” “Trullas,” or “Asaltos,” as they are called in Puerto Rico, refer to the people who go door to door singing and playing instruments like the cuatro, guitar, güiro, maracas, bongos, and congas, filled with musical offerings for the occasion.
On Saturday, December 18th, the group “Raices Latinas” from the city of Stuart surprised the family of Herman and Lucy Santa from Jensen Beach with a parranda. It was a surprise gathering, as some of the members were meeting at the Santa family’s residence, who were not familiar with the customs of the Boricuas during Christmas. One of the songs the group “Raices Latinas” sang was “Abreme la puerta… (the first aguinaldo when arriving at a house), and afterwards they sang other Christmas songs that brightened the atmosphere among those present. Without a doubt, the members of “Raices Latinas” have talent, and they will soon perform in the area, as they are a folkloric music group from Puerto Rico.



Christmas Toys 1999
Santa Claus has arrived
By Herman Santa
For the 7th consecutive year, the members of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” took on the task of collecting and personally delivering gifts to low-income children in Martin and St. Lucie counties. The toys were gathered at the members’ traditional Christmas dinner, which took place at the new Cuban restaurant “Havana Biltmore” in the city of Stuart. Herman Santa was responsible for distributing the toys in Indiantown, which were given to children from Hispanic parents belonging to “Alcoholics Anonymous of Indiantown.” Willie González was in charge of distributing toys for low-income children in Ft. Pierce.



New Year’s 1999
Resultado baile Año Viejo
By Herman Santa
With a great attendance of members along with their families and friends, the dance “Goodbye Old Year” and the arrival of the new “Millennium” was celebrated on Friday, December 31, at the “Club House” of the “YMCA-Jaycee Park” in Port St. Lucie. The event, where the century was bid farewell and which members celebrate every year, was a complete success.
The event started at 8:00 PM and ended after 2:00 AM, including a delicious buffet, champagne, and Hawaiian leis along with traditional noisemakers, hats, and rattles. The final event of the previous Board of Directors was enlivened by the “Duo Riviera” from Port St. Lucie. Thanks to the previous administration and the activities and decoration committees for planning another event, which was a lot of fun. We had a great time with family and friends.



Picnic 1999
Picnic in honor of the Parents, North Jensen Causeway
By Herman Santa
The pavilion reserved by the club directors to celebrate “Father’s Day” on Saturday, June 20, was full, or rather, overflowing. Under a cloudy sky and with a gentle sea breeze, members of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” gathered to celebrate Father’s Day and present to the members the winner of the college scholarship. People from different parts of Martin and St. Lucie counties arrived at the “North Jensen Causeway” in Jensen Beach to enjoy a friendly Sunday, undeterred by the heat and the rain.
Mientras unos saboreaban la deliciosa comida tipica latina, otros pescaban y jugaban dominos. Algunos aprovecharon la ocasión para bailar con música de disco compacto. Fue un día maravilloso para pasarlo con los padres. Felicitamos a la Junta Directiva por darnos otro “Get Together” bien planeado.



Mother’s 1999
Annual Mother’s Day with D. J. “Coqui” at Jensen Beach Women’s Club
Por Herman Santa
Those who missed it … missed out. The “Mother’s Dance” show featuring salsa and merengue presented by “Coqui” on Saturday, May 1, at the Jensen Beach Women’s Club, was a true delight for music lovers. The DJs of “Coqui,” Angel Santa and Joaquin Plaza, played a remarkable role with their music; the debut of the singer known artistically as “Onaney” added spice to the night. Wilfredo “Wilo” Caraballo’s speech dedicated to the mothers filled the attendees with emotion. They truly shined at Jensen Beach.
During a break, a collection was made for Mrs. Evelyn Nieves, who lost her home in the fire on April 15 in the city of Port St. Lucie. Evelyn is related to Rafael and Aria Febus, who are club members. They were given a cash amount of $155. Salsa dancers came from afar, with friends and family; in total, more than 200 souls gathered. The reason: a tribute to mothers. Later that night, “Onaney” made her triumphant debut on stage, receiving applause from the audience. The event ended with a 50/50 raffle, a V.C.R., and certificates that the board had for the activity.
The raffle winners were: Gertrudes Aviles and Herman Santa (50/50) and Rigoberto Verde (VCR). The winners of the gift certificates were: Oscar Olivieri (Don Ramón Restaurant), Mrs. Pellot (El Toro Restaurant), Mrs. Conley (Pueblo Viejo Restaurant), Mónica Rangel (Dental Quality Care), and finally Jerry Ortíz (floral arrangement from Ordoñez Florist of St. Lucie West). The party was joyful and fun, both members and guests enjoyed dancing to the music of “Coqui.” We must congratulate the board and the committees who worked hard to make the party a success. Thanks to the mentioned sponsors.



Cruise 1999 (Palm Beach Princess)
Exciting trip on the “Palm Beach Princess”
By Herman Santa
On September 25, it was a day of celebration and joy in which a large group of members from the Spanish American Club, Inc. decided to go by boat. The event included a bus trip from Port St. Lucie to the Palm Beach port, funded by the club, and lunch on the luxurious casino boat. The party started as soon as we got on the bus in Port St. Lucie. The driver played Latin music and began the “Morning Show.” While some sang to the rhythm of the music, others danced in the aisle of the bus.
More than 50 people attended the traditional boat trip, where members, family, and friends rented a bus and embarked on a cruise in an atmosphere of healthy camaraderie and fun. Everyone enjoyed a wide variety of entertainment, such as lively Reggae music, shows, disco, swimming pool, and casinos. Ultimately, it was a special day of joy. Thanks to the Board of Directors for organizing this trip to celebrate the club’s “7th Anniversary.” We danced even on the bus!



Luau 1999
Luau with D.J. “Coqui” at the Jensen Beach Women’s Club
By Herman Santa
Every year, the Spanish American Club, Inc. held the Hawaiian party on Saturday, August 7th, and everyone was there. The spacious ballroom of the Jensen Beach Women’s Club was packed. People who hadn’t seen each other in a while took the opportunity to dance and relieve their stress. It was also a chance for some of our members to get to know each other. We saw many new faces and happy people; almost everyone wore Hawaiian shirts and enjoyed dancing to the music of “Coqui.” Many enjoyed the snacks prepared by Gladys and Juan Piñeiro, as they had alcapurrias, empanadas, and tostones at reasonable prices.
During a recess, the club president, Yolanda Sánchez, welcomed everyone and reminded them of the upcoming activities of the club. Late at night, the raffles for the television, the 50/50, and the certificates were held. This time, the majority of the members were the winners.
The winner of the 19” color television with remote control was Pino Reyes. This is the second time that a member has taken home the grand prize. The other winners were as follows: Ivan Piñeiro (50/50) and Frank Scilabra (50/50). David Matos and Frank Scilabra (certificates from Quality Dental Care). Jessica Reyes (certificate from the restaurant “El Toro” in the city of Stuart). Once again, we must congratulate the Board of Directors who, in collaboration with the committees, the members, and the sponsors, managed to create a memorable event.



Luau 1998
Luau with D.J. Johnny Saltos at Holy Family Episcopal Church
By Herman Santa
It was a party filled with color, rhythm, and flavor at the annual Hawaiian party on Saturday, September 19th. Before starting the dance, we delighted our taste buds with a delicious meal that the board had prepared to celebrate the occasion. The menu featured roasted pork, fried rice, chicken, and desserts. With the entertainment of “Johnny’s Music,” it was no surprise that the members and guests who filled the dance hall at “Holy Family Episcopal Church,” where the dance took place, had a wonderful time and enjoyed a super lively Saturday night.
DJ Johnny Saltos did an excellent job and established himself as a good entertainer. More than forty guests enjoyed the rhythm of his music. Among those present were Olimpo and Patricia Cardenas, Olga Evician, Armando and Glady Getchel, Amelia Lanchez, John and Irene Elias, Angel Febus, Dasy Ahorrio, Coralis Romero, Louis and Rosa Luchesi, Jri Violeta González, Rosita Ross, Irene Rivera, Edgar Maldonado, Luz Elena Alarcón, Fiorelia Holguin, Maria Gaspard, David and Carmen Boden, José and Iris López, Carlos Guerra, Lupe Vaz, Efraín Gotay, Sandra Lozado, Ana Santori, and Roy Mercado among other guests.
The night culminated in the celebration of the birthdays of the partners and guests. In short, the Hawaiian party turned out to be an unquestionable success filled with joy, rhythm, and flavor. We want to thank the guests who shared a joyful night with us. Also, special thanks to Johnny Saltos for his kindness and professionalism, as without him we wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much. And lastly, to the board for planning another “Get Together” that brought us closer together as Hispanics, as there were people from almost the entire American continent.


