Archive
Christmas 1993
The Spanish American Club, Inc. celebrates its Christmas dinner.
By Cecilia Vignier
On December 5, the board of the ‘Spanish American Club, Inc.’ held its Christmas dinner for members at the residence of the Vignier family in Port St. Lucie. As part of the Christmas season, toys were collected and donated to bring joy to the holidays of needy families. The donation of the toys was made to Hope Rural School in Indiantown in Martin County. The toys were delivered to Mrs. Pat Bionde, who is the coordinator of the Spanish Club at Martin County High School.
The Club holds monthly social meetings at the residences of the members during which they exchange ideas on new projects that serve to help our Hispanic community.
Luau 1993
Hawaiian party with D.J.’ Herman Santa and his assistant, Cesar Bohórquez at PSL Community Center
By Herman Santa
Lovers of “Salsa” and good Latin music had a great time at the Hawaiian dance held at the Port St. Lucie Community Center in Port St. Lucie. Since the Board of Directors bought the music equipment, the club’s DJs, Herman Santa and his assistant Cesar Bohórquez, have kept everyone on their feet. This speaker has an extensive repertoire of modern rhythm music, and at every event they’ve played for the club this year, it has been “Standing Room Only,” as the dance hall has been so packed that no one else could fit in.
Próxima actividad del Spanish American Club, Inc. está señalada para el para 30 de octubre para celebrar el tradicional Baile de las Máscaras en el Knighs of Columbus en el 451 SW Ravenswood Lane en Port St. Lucie. Habrá premiós para los tres mejores disfraces y se hará la acostumbrada rifa del 50/50. Puede vestir casual, pero se recomienda llevar un disfráz.
Puede traer su licor, picadas y sodas. El club proveerá el hielo y “Set-Ups”. Los boletos ya están. para la yenta. Puede comprarios antes del 23 dc octubre a $20 por persona. Se aceptan reservaciones para grupos de mas de 8 persónas. Para más información, por favor llamar a Ia Junta Directiva.
Get Together 1993 (Clark)
Get Together at the residence of Richard and Vera Clark in Palm City
By Sam Del Rosario
The Spanish American Club held its monthly social meeting at the residence of Richard and Vera Clark, club members. The Clarks, always so kind, showed us the farm and his greatest pride, his horses. He told us where they acquired the horses, how to train them, and everything they can do. He invited everyone to ride his horses. All the sodas brought their culinary specialties to accompany the delicious roasted lechón (pork) that the Clarks prepared for us.
Everything was delicious. The children enjoyed this picnic by swimming in the pool, feeding the goats, and having fun in every way possible. At the end of the day, we sang Happy Birthday to Lilian Bohórquez and had to dance and form a circle to get cake. We had a great day sharing with our partners. Richard and Vera were wonderful hosts.
Get Together 1993 (Carrión)
Monthly “Get Together” at the residence of Néstor and Marialuisa Carrión in Palm City
By Sam Del Rosario
On April 17, the members of the Spanish American Club, Inc. spent the afternoon at the farm of members Mr. and Mrs. Néstor and Maríaluisa Carrión in the city of Palm City. They took the opportunity to celebrate all the birthdays of club members for the month. Among the members who celebrated their birthdays in April were Cecilia Vignier, Herman Santa, Lucy Santa, Maria Luisa Carrión, Gladys Vélez, Dr. Trinidad Rojas, and Annie Del Rosario.
Néstor and Maríaluisa showered their guests with countless attentions and proudly showed them the fruit tree planting. We all enjoyed this picnic, which reminded us of our homeland. At lunchtime, a variety of food from several Latin American countries was served, which everyone delighted in. Ms. Gladys Velez was in charge of the birthday cake, which was delicious. In the afternoon, the men played dominoes and the ladies played cards. Many thanks to the Carrión family for such a pleasant picnic day.
Valentine 2002
Successful Valentine’s Day Party
By Herman Santa
To the rhythm of D.J. Sam, the partners and friends danced to the most tasty salsa beats until two in the morning. During a break, there was a raffle for the scholarship, the usual 50/50, and prizes were given away. The winners were: Billie Díaz (50/50), and the certificates were won by: Arnaldo Palenzuela (Adela’s Hair Salon) and Roberto Rodas (Salsa Renge Night).
Through the weekly newspaper El Mundo Hispano, the directors of the Spanish American Club, Inc. want to thank the sponsors and those who collaborated to make the event a success, among them are: Norma Colón (Boston Chicken), Adela Lorenzatto (Adela Hair Salon), Bobby Rodríguez (One Stop Entertainment), Carlos D. Ramirez (Revista Visión), and María Bello (El Mundo Hispano).
We also thank our partners Rey Sánchez, Willie González, and Dana Peterson. To the club directors Gladys Piñeiro, Lucy Santa, Ron Bryson, and Ana Swift, who organized the dance, and to all those who helped with the ticket sales. Thank you all for coming and enjoying a joyful time with us. We’ll see you at the Mother’s Dance.
Assembly 2000
Members of SACI elect Board of Directors at Langford Park clubhouse in Jensen Beach
By Herman Santa
Well-planned and successful was the 8th Annual General Assembly of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.,” held on Sunday, January 23, 2000, at Jensen Beach Park Clubhouse. Arnaldo Palenzuela was elected as president for the fiscal year 2000. Arnaldo has distinguished himself over many years in SACI for his effort, enthusiasm, and creativity, reaching such a high position for the second time, due to his own merits.
The assembly started at 2:00 PM and ended at 3:45 PM. At the beginning of the assembly, the president, Mrs. Yolanda Sanchez, gave a short speech acknowledging her board and the committees for their magnificent work during the year 1999. At the end of the assembly, the outgoing president, Mrs. Yolanda Sanchez, presented awards to the directors of the previous administration: Mrs. Maite Peterson, Mrs. Odette Gayoso, Mrs. Josefina Gerena, and Mrs. Olga Gonzalez. She also made special recognitions to Mr. Herman Santa, Mr. Arnaldo Palenzuela, Mr. Willie Gonzalez, Mrs. Maria Palenzuela, Mr. Rey Sanchez, and Mr. Ed Finnerty.
At the end of the annual meeting, the elected president Mr. Arnaldo Palenzuela presented a plaque of appreciation to the outgoing president Mrs. Yolanda Sanchez, and they shared a hug, wishing each other success. Mr. Palenzuela addressed the attendees with a brief speech, stating that he “will continue to work with optimism for the growth of the corporation, counting on an excellent Board of Directors and committees, being confident that high goals will be reached in favor of the club.” The elected Board of Directors of SACI, chaired by Mr. Arnaldo Palenzuela, is as follows: Mr. Willie González, Vice-President; Mr. Juan Piñeiro, Treasurer; Mrs. Sara Lee, Secretary; and Mrs. Gertrudis Aviles, Member.
Scholarship 1999 (Flores)
6th scholarship from the “Spanish American Club, Inc.”
By Herman Santa
Good news always fills us with hope, especially when it involves our youth. Four students from the high schools in St. Lucie County applied for the club scholarship. The 1999 scholarship committee, composed of Herman Santa, Arnaldo Palenzuela, and Dana Peterson, used criteria for evaluation that included personal initiative, creativity, effort, economic resources, grades, and the ability to write, read, and speak Spanish among the youth.
The committee selected Ella Roselynn Flores from Westwood High School in Ft. Pierce as the recipient of this year’s scholarship. The scholarship honors young individuals who stand out for their academic talents in the last year in the high schools of Martin and St. Lucie Counties. In a ceremony held on June 20 at the partners’ “Get Together,” Miss Flores was awarded. The scholarship was presented by the club’s president, Mrs. Yolanda Sanchez, who reaffirmed the commitment of the Spanish American Club, Inc. and its members to support and sponsor activities like this that help our students excel in their academic studies and become good citizens of tomorrow.
“This should serve as a model for other organizations and groups in general to contribute to the educational well-being of our Hispanic students since not everything can be done by the government,” added Yolanda. Miss Flores joins other students who have already received the club’s college scholarship since the program started in 1993.
Valentine 1999
Annual Valentine with “El Coqui” at the “Holly Faith” Episcopal Church in Port St. Lucie
By Herman Santa
Call it a desire to relax, to go out of the house, or to investigate what the club directors have to offer us this time. Call it more directly, a desire to dance with everything it means. Call it whatever you want to call it. But whatever your motivation, the fact is that the “Lovers” party that the members and guests celebrated last Saturday, February 20, at the “Holly Faith” Episcopal Church in Port St. Lucie was a complete success. The dinner-party was enlivened by the disco band “El Coqui” from West Palm Beach. Angel Santa and Joaquín Plaza, who make up the music of “El Coqui,” entertained us all night long.
In their debut in Port St. Lucie, they demonstrated that they are professional DJs. This was the first monthly “Get Together” of the members this year, and we must thank the Board of Directors for planning it well, as everyone had a great time. The event, which ended at one in the morning, also featured a 50/50 raffle.
Awards 1999 (Finnerty)
Recognized member, Ed Finerty
By Herman Santa
On October 25, Ms. Maite Peterson, Vice President of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” presented Mr. Edward Finnerty with a plaque featuring the photo of the players from last year’s golf tournament during the Luncheon of the Golf Tournament held at her residence.
This recognition is a result of his dedication and contribution to the club. Mr. Finnerty was a member of the Golf Committee in 1998 and 1999. Mr. Finnerty and his beloved wife Mrs. Maria Santa de Finnerty have been members since the club was founded in 1992.
Assembly 1999
Members of SACI elect Board of Directors at El Toro restaurant in Stuart
By Herman Santa
The Spanish American Club, Inc. celebrated its 7th Annual Assembly on January 10, where the new Board of Directors for the year 1999 was elected, consisting of: Yolanda Sanchez; president, Maite Peterson; vice president, Odette M. Gayoso; secretary, Josefina Gerena; treasurer, and Olga González; board member.
During the meeting, the association’s regulations were also amended, and after the selection of directors, a recognition plaque was awarded to the outgoing president, Arnaldo Palenzuela, for his contributions to the club. Another plaque was presented to Vice President Willie González for his dedication and work.
The event was a dinner at the new restaurant “El Toro” in Stuart where members celebrated and enjoyed a delicious Mexican meal prepared by the restaurant owner Néstor Martinez.
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