Archive
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.
Golf 1999 (Tournament-SACI)
Annual Golf Tournament at Savanna club
By Herman Santa
On October 24, the “2nd Golf Tournament 99″to benefit the student scholarship. In this event, participants competed for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in “Low Gross,” the “Longest Drive,” and “The Closest to the Pin,” for just $30.00. The tournament included a luncheon and player registration.
At the event, held at the “Savana Club & Country Club” in Port St. Lucie, 23 golfers participated, most of them Hispanic. The tournament was sponsored by 48 companies that provided certificates for the players and also donated cash for 18 holes. The event was organized by the “Spanish American Club, Inc.”, which has been in existence for 7 years. Ed Finnerty was the tournament organizer. And speaking of Ed, there’s definitely some influence there, as obtaining so many certificates requires quite a few phone calls, trips, and correspondence.
The event ended at the home of Ed and Maria Finnerty in Port St. Lucie. After lunch, trophies and certificates were awarded. The club’s Vice President, Maite Peterson, presented a plaque to Mr. Finnerty for his work and contribution to the club. It was a perfect day for playing golf, as the sky was clear and there was a gentle breeze. We had a joyful time and socialized in an atmosphere of camaraderie and cordiality. We must acknowledge the help of Dana Peterson, who designed the flyer for the tournament, and the ladies who assisted Mrs. Finnerty in preparing lunch. We also want to thank everyone who participated in one way or another to make our 2nd Golf Tournament for the benefit of a Hispanic student scholarship in the area a success.
Winners were: “Low Gross” 1st place, 4 “Under Par”: Herman Santa, Frank and Liz Castillo, 2nd place, “Even 61”: Art Morales, Dr. Harris Goldberg and Derek Wright, 3rd place, Ruben Sanchez, Dave Houghton, Joe Jacoby, and Mike. “Longest Drive”, Liz Castillo, and “Closest to the Pin” Ed Finnerty.
The Gold sponsors were: Hoyo No.1 Blue Water Graphics, Inc. Stuart. No. 2 Best Western Hotel PSL. No. 3 Carvajal International Publishers Miami. No. 4 Choice Rental & Real Estate PSL. No. 5 Christian Company A/C PSL, No. 6 Carpet Max WPB, No. 7 D.O.A. Inc. Stuart, No. 8 Chevron Gas PSL, No. 9 Gold Coast Fed. Credit Union PSL, No. 10 Harbor Fed. Bank PSL. No. 11 Pennzoil Lube PSL, No. 12 Pad Masters PSL. No. 13 Prima J4sta Walk-in Med. Center PSL, No. 14 Riverside Nat. Bank PSL, No. 15 Walmart PSL, No. 16 NY Assoc. PSL. No. 17 Dr. Harris Goldberg Chiropractor PSL and No. 18 Gary-Williams-Parenti-Finey-Lewis-McManus-Watson & Spernado PA. FTP
The Silver Sponsors were: B.J. Warehouse Club, Holiday Inn, Treasure Coast Theaters, Sports Authority, Target, Circuit City, Red Lobster, LongHorn Steakhouse, So. Ft. Golf (Cici’s Pizza, Village Green Theater, Southern Eagle Beer Dist., T.G.I. Fridays, Big Apple Pizza, Play-T-A-Gain, St. Lucie Car Wash, Golfer Outlet, Golf USA, Par & Scription Golf Norris Restaurant, Pizza Hut, Savanna Golf Club, Sonny’s Real Bar-B-Q Pit, Perkins Family Restaurant, Cracker Barrel Restaurant, Gold Coast Dist., Tropicana, Fairwinds Golf, Luigi Restaurant, Achil’s Pizza, Jensen Beach Ale House, PGA Golf Village, Club Med, Eagle Marsh Golf Club, Liccio Pizza, Dunkin’ Donuts, First Base Disc., Alphonse’s Pizza, Goodyear Tire Store, Snappy Lube, Karen’s Hair Salon, Public, St. Lucie Battery & Tire, Spanish American Club, Inc., D.A.R. Fishing, and Berlitz German Language Course.
Halloween 1999
“Son Caleño revolutionizes the Treasure Coast “Jensen Beach Women’s Club”
By Herman Santa
To celebrate the “Mascaras” Ball in Port St. Lucie, the Spanish American Club, Inc. had as honorary guests none other than the sensational orchestra “Son Caleño” from West Palm Beach. The orchestra played, delighted, and revolutionized those present with their famous Salsa Caleña, while also showcasing that not only salsa and merengue can be danced, but also cumbia, and even more the salsa of “Son Caleño.”
This show that many missed took place on Saturday, October 31, in the spacious ballroom of the Port St. Lucie Community Center. This makes one think that “Son Caleño” is heading towards new horizons. In what could very well be called its impressive second appearance since early in the evening, as no one wanted to miss the show after they reserved their tickets. In both dances, Hispanics from different parts of the “Treasure Coast” gathered.
People from Vero Beach, Ft. Pierce, and Stuart came to dance to music with Colombian flavor. The band revolutionized the patriotic spirit of Colombians, but it also delighted other South American, Central American, and Caribbean Hispanics who quenched their hunger and thirst with the rhythm of an orchestra that is rarely heard in this area. Without a doubt, once again, the “Son Caleño” with its music presented a great show in the city of Port St. Lucie.
The rhythm of this orchestra demonstrates the creativity, sensitivity, and talent present in these talented young people. During a break, former president Herman Santa announced the birthday celebrants and the three winners of the best masks. We would like to thank our sponsors “Ole Frijoles,” “Johnny’s Music,” “Quality Dental Care,” “Ordoñes Florist,” “Ace’s Performance,” and “Image Beauty Salon” who donated gifts and certificates for the party. We also want to congratulate the Board of Directors who worked hard to ensure everything went smoothly.
Cruise 1998 (Palm Beach Princess)
Another successful boat trip on the “Palm Beach Princess Casino”
By Herman Santa
In a crowded event that was attended by numerous members, guests, and casino game enthusiasts, the gathering took place on the cruise ship “Palm Beach Princess Casino.” Members, accompanied by their families and friends, came together for a night of camaraderie where they ate, danced, and played all night long. Members and guests enjoyed the music of Disco and Reggae.
The show presented by the artists was very nice, but the performance some of the partners put on in the ballroom was even better. The partners traveled by bus from Port St. Lucie to the embarkation port, and that’s where the fun began, as some brought their coolers full of liquor, turning the back of the bus into a “Hospitality Suite,” and since they didn’t have to drive, they celebrated big. On the way back on the bus, while some were sleeping, the celebration continued, and some even danced in the aisle due to how happy they were.
This traditional bus trip, which is planned every year, has been well received by all members. It cannot be concluded without congratulating the Board of Directors for their extraordinary work this year; without them, the club would not be where it is today, as every time there’s an activity for members, more members join. Among the new faces were Luis and Elizabeth Sánchez, Saturnino Sánchez, Patricia and Alex López, Martin Santos, Craig Palenzuela, and Sue Pasici. The show presented by some of the members in the ballroom was wonderful.
Mother’s 1998
Annual Mother’s Day with band “Son Caleño” at Jensen Beach Women’s Club
By Herman Santa
A long time has passed, almost more than five years since the club last brought a new orchestra and for the first time presented “Son Caleño” on Saturday, May 9, as part of the celebration of “Mother’s Day” organized by the Board of Directors. It is possible that the members of the “Son Caleño” orchestra themselves are still unclear about the reach, roots, and importance that their musical proposal has received among the audience of Palm Beach County and the Martin and St. Lucie counties.
In the short time (four or five years) since launching into the professional world, “Son Caleño” has resonated and become a unique rhythm of Colombian salsa, and now they are beginning to reap rewards both in Palm Beach County and in “The Treasure Coast,” where they are starting to make a name for themselves and gain fans. As part of an effort by the new Board of Directors of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” to present something new to the public, “Son Caleño” debuted in the city of Port St. Lucie before an audience of more than 200 people. Although the orchestra’s performance lasted only four hours, the DJs from the orchestra, Oscar Rincón and his assistant Carlos Escamilla, entertained us until midnight.
For $15.00 per ticket, the guests had fun and enjoyed the snacks that Claudia Zapata had prepared. Although she is not affiliated with the club, she offered to make some appetizers for those who came from afar and for those who have a drink and then want some snacks. During a break in the orchestra, a raffle was held to help cover the scholarship expenses. The scholarship committee collected the proceeds from the 50/50 and other gifts that local Hispanic merchants contributed to the club.
Also, during another break, the guests were impressed by the local singer Romiro Angel, who sang Mexican rancheras for us. The family friends Paulino and Lydia Reyes took the opportunity to celebrate their 45th anniversary. Many new people who were unaware of our existence were seen, and they were pleased with the event that is held annually with an orchestra. We must thank the Board of Directors, the decoration committee, and the members who helped and worked hard to make this activity a success.
We also need to thank the new Spanish station “La Dinámika 101.3 FM” for announcing our party. Many thanks to the following sponsors who donated prizes for the event: Victor Nercess from Coldwell Banker in Port St. Lucie, Marissa Astwasatourian from Burdines in Jensen Beach, Nellie and Harry Espinoza from Ordoñez Florist in Port St. Lucie, and Jerry Perimuter from Quality Dental Care in Fort Pierce.
Picnic 1998
Annual picnic of the Members Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
By Herman Santa
For those of us who are members of the Spanish American Club, Inc., the monthly meetings have traditionally been our refuge to relieve stress, a way to escape the routine and work. There we find serenity and joy, parties, games, food, and sometimes even new friendships, depending on what is desired. On Sunday, April 19, the members rented a pavilion at the beach of “Fort Pierce Inlet State Park.”
The event was the first activity of the club for its members and had a large turnout. The afternoon was filled with games, dancing, food, jokes, and laughter throughout the day. Some took the opportunity to stroll along the beach. The activity concluded with the celebration of the members’ birthdays. This was a very well-planned event by the Board of Directors.
Christmas Toys 1997
Santa Claus went to Indiantown.
By Herman Santa
On December 28, hundreds of Hispanic children from low-income families in Indiantown enjoyed the Christmas gifts given to them by a group of club members. Mr. Lucas Rivera, owner of “Tienda Rivera” in Indiantown, lent the premises from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the group to distribute the Christmas toys. There, children from one year old up to 11 years old enjoyed the candies and toys that had been packed into bags, which Santa personally distributed to each of them.
Herman Santa dressed up as Santa Claus because Mr. Oscar Olivieri fell ill with the flu. Among the people who traveled to Indiantown were Willie and Olga González, Abraham and Olga Burgos, Damaso and Josefina Gerena, and Herman Santa. Santa Claus was the center of attraction for the children, as many of them had never had the opportunity to meet him in person. Many of them were accompanied by their parents, who had the chance to see their children filled with happiness and share that special moment of Christmas.
After the delivery of toys, Mr. Rivera invited us to his farm where we enjoyed a variety of fruits such as oranges, papayas, bananas, and even honey. We then finished in Port St. Lucie where we celebrated the event at the residence of the Burgos family. This was the first time a group of Hispanic families from the club delivered toys to the children of Indiantown. The activity was so well-received that Mr. Rivera and the Hispanic group are considering doing it again this year if there are enough financial resources, but they will do it before Christmas Day.
Anniversary 1997
5th Anniversary of SACI with D.J. Juan Carlos Gayoso at Kristie’s on the Ocean Restaurant Ft. Pierce beach (South Beach)
Por Herman Santa
Our Club celebrated its 5th Anniversary on June 24, 1997. For the anniversary, the members celebrated with a dinner at “Kristie’s on the Ocean,” an elegant restaurant located on Ft. Pierce beach (South Beach). President Mr. Thomas González welcomed the guests, and after dinner, we danced to the rhythms of the club’s D.J., Juan Carlos Gayoso. Juan Carlos entertained us with his repertoire of compact disc music until late at night.
To commemorate, Herman Santa, co-founder, published an informative brochure containing events since the establishment of the “club.” Photos of the boards, committees, and activities over the past five years were published. The brochure will be released annually and clearly defines the purposes and goals of the social “Club” of Martin and St. Lucie counties. The Club is a non-profit corporation, and one of its main objectives is to promote cultural exchange, language, geography, customs, history, art, and folklore of Spanish-speaking countries.
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