Anniversary 1998
6th Anniversary of SACI with D.J. at Jensen Beach Women’s Club
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, June 28, the grand gala was held to celebrate the 6th anniversary of the club in the ballroom of the “Jensen Beach Women’s Club,” where attendees had the opportunity to socialize and enjoy each other’s company.
It has been 6 years since the Spanish American Club, Inc. was founded. In 1992, a group of Hispanic families from Martin and St. Lucie counties formed the nonprofit organization with the purpose of preserving the wealth of Hispanic heritage on the “Treasure Coast.”
The first Board of Directors was composed of 9 directors who wrote the bylaws and filed them in the capital of Florida. This documentation, which has been amended three times to date, clearly defines the purpose and requirements for becoming a member, management, and other legalities required by the organization.
Every year in January, the members elect a Board of Directors whose function is to manage the club. To achieve this goal within the organization, several working committees with well-defined and articulated responsibilities have been established, ensuring that the most diverse areas are fully covered, from recruiting new members, fundraising, organizing activities, and even advertising writing.
The administration’s agenda includes the annual awarding of the scholarship to a Hispanic student, which is the essence of the organization. It also has other projects that will be revealed as they materialize, such as the Domino Tournament, Golf, Bowling, etc., to mention a few.
The members meet at least once a month with their families and friends to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and at the same time to share and integrate with the new members. At these meetings, partners prepare typical dishes from their respective countries and conclude the event with dance music.
Since the club was founded, many new members have joined who have sought their rightful place in the club’s decision-making and have propelled the entry of new members into our organization. The generation that started the club fulfilled their duty with excellence; let us allow these new members to fulfill their purpose.
The annual fee is $50.00 dollars, and we invite all those who wish to preserve their Hispanic heritage to join this organization, so there can be better understanding among Hispanics in our society, more unity, and strength. Interested individuals who want to become members of the organization can write to our club’s P.O. Box. 9356, Port St. Lucie, Fl 34985
Valentine 2000
Annual Valentine with El “Coqui” D.J. at the Community Center in Port St. Lucie
By Herman Santa
The expectations fell short of the success achieved during the Valentine’s party held on the night of Saturday, February 12, at the Port St. Lucie Community Center in Port St. Lucie.
The “Coqui” was sensational, the ambiance elegantly decorated for Valentine’s Day, and the cheerful crowd set the stage for what many had anticipated: a big party that lasted until midnight. The grand ballroom of the “Port St. Lucie Community Center” was filled to capacity to celebrate “Valentine’s Day.” Once it began, right on time, the DJs from Coquí kept the dance floor packed. Angel Santa and Juaquin Plaza, with their energetic show featuring psychedelic lights and smoke, played the best rhythms of the moment, leaving no respite for the dancers, who moved until they were exhausted.
There’s no doubt that a great time was had with family and friends, as well as the sensational 50/50 raffle, important gifts, and certificates. The sponsors of this event were: El Toro Mexican Restaurant and Cantina in Stuart, Pueblo Viejo Mexican Restaurant in Port St. Lucie, Ordoñez Florist in St. Lucie West, Burdines in Jensen Beach, Dillard’s in Jensen Beach, and the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” Many thanks to our sponsors for their generous contributions to the club.
The winners of the prizes were: Gertrudis Aviles from 50/50, Gloria Fischer, certificate from Toro, Maite Peterson, certificate from Pueblo Viejo, Mrs. Sherley, perfume basket from Dillard’s Store, Isabel Castillo, perfume basket from Burdines Store, Mrs. Almeida, floral arrangement from Ordoñes Florist.
The following individuals were the winners of the club’s gifts: Arturo Aguila won a fishing equipment, Robert Betancurt won a flower basket, Ileana Zequeira won a free entry for Mother’s Day, and Dina Santiago won a flower basket.
Get Together 2000 (Peterson)
Get together with Disc Music at the residence of Dana and Maite Peterson in Palm City
By Herman Santa
The invitation was for paella. More than 30 members of SACI accepted the invitation from Maite and Dana Peterson to enjoy paella at their luxurious residence on October 22 in the city of Palm City. The menu promised countless delights: appetizers, wine, bread, salads, Spanish music, and the rich Valencian paella. What elegance! Desserts of all kinds: pudding, papaya sweet, cheese cake, and the delicious “Apple Pies,” what a marvel! Rum with a hint of lemon, ice-cold beer, and then… the paella. The end of happiness. “Oh no… not with shrimp because I am allergic.” “Oh no… not with meat because I am vegetarian.” “Oh no, not with chicken because I don’t eat anything with feathers.”
Definitive. The pig’s tail got twisted. Goodbye dreamed delight. Well, “there” we go. To eat paella at the Petersons’ house. That’s what some of the guests said. End of the story: we ate three. With Spanish-style rice prepared with chicken and various seafood: octopus, squid, clams, shrimp, and prawns.
The paella was not just a success that Maite cooked in front of us. She went all out assisting us, and what can I say about Dana? She made us feel like queens and kings of Spain in her humble home, where peace, harmony, joy, and beauty reign. Thanks to the Petersons for cooking so deliciously and allowing the club members to enjoy their home.
Halloween 2000
Halloween Dance with “Son Caleño” orchestra at the “Port St. Lucie Community Center”
By Herman Santa
A large number of salsa dancers moved to the rhythm of “Son Caleño” when they performed on Saturday, October 28, in Port St. Lucie. The “Port St. Lucie Community Center” served as the venue for the dance that began after 8:00 PM. The dance was fabulous, with most attendees dressed in costumes, turning the event into a true “Halloween” party.
The winners of the costume competition were: 1st place Nick Hevia, who was awarded a check for $25.00. Nick dressed in an Arabian style. In 2nd place was Juan Calderón, who received a free ticket to the “Scholarship Dance.” Juan dressed as a bullfighter, and in 3rd place was Doris P. Gioia, who also won a free ticket to the “Scholarship Dance.” She dressed in a space-themed costume.
The winners of the certificates were: Tony Ortéz, a meal for two at the Restaurant Toro” in Stuart, Jaime Calderón, and Lucinda Zelaya with a free check-up at the “Quality Dental” dentistry in Ft. Pierce. The 50/50 was won by Papo Ocasio. The club directors kept their promise to give the public a dance with a band, and everyone danced until one in the morning to hot music that all attendees enjoyed from start to finish. Those who stayed home missed a great party that won’t be repeated, as next year there will be another Board of Directors, and the forecast is that this kind of event will not be organized for the public.
Dominoes 2000 (Tournament)
Result 3rd. Domino Tournament… The “Novices” Champions at the residence of Graciano Santos
Por Herman Santa
The tournament took place at Martin Santos’ residence in Port St. Lucie on Saturday, November 4, 2000. With the participation of three couples who love the game of Dominoes, the champions were the “Novices” of the “3rd Domino Tournament” of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.”
In a head-to-head competition among six participants in the tournament, three pairs started playing at three in the afternoon and finished at ten at night. The “Novices,” composed of Martín Santos and Alex Lépez, became champions of the year 2000. Martín was born in California but is of Puerto Rican father and Mexican mother. Alex is originally from Honduras. “The Roosters,” made up of Herman Santa and Arnaldo Palenzuela, took the second position. Herman is Puerto Rican and Arnaldo is Cuban. In third place were “The Killer B’s,” composed of Ivan Murrell and José Berroa. Ivan is Panamanian and José is Dominican.
This tournament was similar to the World Series as it featured players from six countries. There were no close games or shutouts. The format consisted of three games per pair, and the couple that won two games became finalists. All three pairs ended up tied, leading to a deciding game for each pair. Other participants who did not attend the championship but paid their fees included Sixto Santa, Willie González, and Victor Swift. The host, Martín Santos, prepared a pot full of flames, Polish sausages, and a cooler of very cold beer. A joyful time was spent among family friends. Thanks to all the participants and to Martín for making the domino tournament a success. We hope to see the champions next year if God permits.
Dominoes 2008
Dominoes games at Matias’s residence
By Herman Santa
Bowling 2008
SACI is ready for its 3rd Annual Bowling Tournament
By Herman Santa
The Spanish American Club, Inc. (SACI) is counting with the participation of at least 20 of its members at their 3rd Annual Bowling Tournament to take place next year. To participate there will be a registration fee (approx. $20 per person). This fee includes 4 games per person but the bowling shoes renta1 fee is no included. The event is organized by the Bowling Committee of the club. The purpose is to develop new yearly activities for SACI members and to raise money to benefit the club’s scholarship fund. SACI’s Bowling Committee will be in charge of the match. To participate, one must register prior of the event.
Bowling 2010
SACI bowlers
By Herman Santa
Do you like bowling? Can you be a team player and willing to practice once a week? If you are a member of the Spanish American Club, Inc. (SACI) and answer yes to these questions, I would like to hear from you! We practice once a week on Sundays at the Jensen Beach bowl. We start at 7:00 until 9:00 P.M., which will give us enough time to play three or four games at a Penny a Pin. The practices are voluntarily. If you like bowling and would like to make new friends, come and join us and have fun with us.
Thanksgiving 2010
Annual Thanksgiving with D.J. Adan Mendoza at the residence of Lee and Nancy Rozon in Port St. Lucie
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, November 13th, the Spanish American Club, Inc. (SACI) celebrated the Annual Thanksgiving Dinner-Dance Party at a private club house in Port St. Lucie. The members and their guests were greeted with hugs from the board of directors and drank the sangria punch prepared for the occasion. They had enough food, great music and enough wine to keep the monthly Get Together going well into the late ours of the night.
During a break, D.J. Adan Mendoza played a Happy Birthday song for Billy Betancourt and Frank Schroedl. Then the board of directors raffled the door prizes, held the 50/50 raffle and the hat dance contest. Door Prize Winners were: Nilda Betancourt, Angel Pellot and Dinah Herrera. The 50/50 Winner was Jimmy Rivera and Nikole Rozon winner of the Hat Dance Contest.
Congratulations to Jimmy Rivera, and his directors for working tireless to make the Thanksgiving Party a big success. A big thank to Delia Diaz and her son Victor Casiano for hosting the party. And finally, a big thanks you to the generosity of our club members Nora Candelario from Vacation Super Store, Inc. and Reinaldo Mathias who made donations for our scholarship. Nora donated $150 and Reinaldo donated $100.
Dominoes 1999 (Tournament)
“Los Playeros,” Champions of the Dominoes Tournament at Tony Ortiz’s residence.
By Herman Santa
The “Playeros,” composed of José Encarnación and his son Alex Encarnación from Port St. Lucie, have been alone in first place since the start of the “Domino Tournament.” The “Playeros” eliminated “Los Dominantes,” made up of Herman Santa and Willie González, for the 5-game playoff series. The second match was played on Saturday, June 13, at the residence of Tony and Barbara Ortíz in the city of White City. We also had a good time there as the venue is suitable for this type of activity. Tony and Barbara have a room specially prepared for playing dominoes. And as the saying goes, “They threw the doors out the window.”
There were two “Chivas” or “Pollonas” during the tournament. The trophies will be presented on October 31 at the ‘Masquerade Ball.’ Each of the ten players will receive a trophy on behalf of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” The order of awards is as follows: First Place, “Los Playeros,” Second Place, “Los Dominantes,” Third Place, “Los Americanos,” Fourth Place, “Los Gordos,” and Fifth Place, “Los Gallos.” Next year, it is expected that the tournament will have more participants. It will start in spring, and the rules will be modified a bit to make the tournament shorter. To all the participants, thank you for your kindness and the hospitality you provided in your homes. The tournament was a great success; we look forward to seeing you next year!
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