Spring 2005
Annual Spring with live music at Iliana Zequeira residence, Port St. Lucie
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, March 26, the traditional monthly “Get Together” of the members took place at the residence of Iliana Zequeira. Iliana is a fabulous and incredible member, whom all of us who know her love very much, especially at the beginning of the year in spring, when she kindly invites us year after year to the annual meeting at her residence in the city of Port St. Lucie.
The “Get Together” turns into a tremendous party. Iliana greets us with a smile, a hug, and then the cocktails, appetizers, camaraderie, dinner, and dancing begin. We had so much fun and stayed late into the night when the Colombian, Diego Sánchez, picked up his guitar and delighted us with his bohemian music songs. We had a great time with good friends. Thank you, Iliana and Diego, for another cheerful party.
The next activity for the members is planned for Saturday, April 30, at a member’s residence. For those who enjoy dominoes, the club will participate in a domino tournament in collaboration with the Latin Chamber of Commerce of the Treasure Coast on Saturday, April 16, at the “St. Lucie County Fairgrounds.”
Father’s 2005
Annual Father’s Day at the residence of Rico and Casta Arnell
Por Herman Santa
On the afternoon of Saturday, June 25, the monthly meeting of the members was held at the residence of the club’s treasurer. Rico and Casta Arnell welcomed us with a hug and then, as is traditional at the monthly meetings, we started with a welcome cocktail. The dinner began with a buffet and concluded with a cake to celebrate the birthdays of the present members. President Enrique Ospina took the opportunity to introduce the new members and guests and announce the club’s upcoming activities.
The highlight of the night was Diego Chiriboga, who played his guitar and sang “Happy Birthday” to the birthday celebrants. To wind up the Get Together, Rico and Casta provided music, and we danced late into the night. The Arnells, as charismatic as ever, ensured that everyone present had a pleasant and fun afternoon. Thank you, Rico and Casta, for lending us your residence.
Anniversary 2005
13th Anniversary of SACI with the band “Rumba Brothers” at the Hot Gumbo restaurant in Port St. Lucie
By Herman Santa
With the joy and camaraderie that characterizes the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” of Martin and St. Lucie counties, and in a completely vibrant atmosphere, we celebrated the Thirteenth Anniversary of our Club. The event took place on Saturday, October 8, at the Hot Gumbo restaurant in Port St. Lucie.
The hosts were President Dr. Enrique Ospina and Vice President María Mireya Kaiser. Before dinner, Dr. Ospina welcomed everyone and informed us about the club’s activities. Then, during a break, the birthdays of the members and guests were celebrated, and a prize was raffled. The winner was Esther Rivera.
The highlight of the night was the band “Rumba Brothers,” who played Latin music, especially Colombian. As usual, the event was filled with details that beautified and enlivened the night; the welcome cocktail, speeches, dinner, and music. Thank you, directors, for another well-planned activity.
Christmas 2004
Christmas Party at the residence of Herman and Lucy Santa
By Herman Santa
On Friday, December 10th, the directors and partners of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” (SACI) held the last monthly meeting of the club at a private residence in Jensen Beach. After the meeting, the partners and guests delighted their palates with a simple yet tasty dinner prepared by Lucy Santa. Afterwards, we spent some time together among friends and enjoyed some “Palitos” late into the night. Thank you to Gladys and Lila for the suggestions they made to Lucy, as the meat turned out delicious. I want to thank the partners who brought dishes and desserts for dinner.
Thanksgiving 2005
Annual Thanksgiving at the residence of Marie Andrée Gómez in Port St Lucie
By Herman Santa
What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than enjoying some “Palitos” and savoring good food! Ah, and with good friends like the members of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” On Saturday, November 19, we had a great time at Marie Andrée Gómez’s residence in the city of Port St. Lucie. There was everything from a delicious buffet of various Latin dishes, salads, and even desserts.
The highlight of the night was the Colombian Jorge Prado and the Spanish Azahar López. Jorge played Colombian music on his electronic piano and had us dancing late into the night. Azahar López (the niece of Maite Peterson, who was visiting the area) also entertained us with her guitar and sang beautiful melodies. Through this medium, we want to thank Marie Andrée for her annual little party, as it was, as always, well attended and lively. To Jorge and Azahar, thank you for entertaining us with your melodies and rhythms.
Golf 2005
Yet the golf practices of “Savanna Club”
By Herman Santa
Winter is gone, “Spring Break” has arrived, and thus the prices at the golf courses have dropped. Many “Snow Birds” have already left, and for us who enjoy hitting the little white golf ball until we sink it into the hole, we feel happy. Some members of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” are practicing on Sundays after noon at Savanna Club Country Club in Port St. Lucie and sometimes at Pine Lake Country Club in Jensen Beach.
In order to promote friendship and harmony among the members, the members will continue practicing until the day of the golf tournament that is being planned for the fall. To hold the tournament, at least 20 players are needed.
Get Together 2005 (Goff)
Monthly Get Together at the residence of Leticia Goff in Port St Lucie
By Herman Santa
On the night of Saturday, September 24th, at the residence of Leticia Goff and Roger Janke, the living room became too small for the members and guests who arrived to celebrate the club’s monthly “Get Together.” The homeowners were expecting us, as usual, at 7 PM. Immediately, a cocktail was started, appetizers were served, followed by dinner, and then the dancing commenced. The highlight of the night was Carolina Weeks, a Mexican, and Christina Abbott, a Spanish woman, when they began dancing flamenco to the music of the Gypsy Kings. Thank you, Leticia and Roger, for a joyful and fun-filled night.
Get Together 2005 (Gutierrez)
Get Together with Disc Music at the residence of Melba Gutierrez in Port St. Lucie
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, August 27, Mrs. Melba Gutierrez graciously opened her beautiful residence in the city of Port St. Lucie to host the monthly “Get Together” for the members of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” The gathering saw significant participation from both members and guests. Birthdays were celebrated with a cake provided by the club’s directors, resulting in a very cheerful atmosphere. Guests enjoyed a delightful and interesting evening, where they not only had the chance to connect with new members but also indulged in a fabulous dinner accompanied by drinks and Latin music.
Thank you, Melba, for your generosity; partners like you keep the club moving forward. The next “Get Together” is scheduled for Saturday, September 24, at a member’s residence in the city of Port St. Lucie. Don’t forget that members are practicing for the bowling tournament on Sundays at 7:30 PM at the St. Lucie Lanes bowling alley. Domino and golf tournaments are also being planned.
Dominoes 2005 (Tournament)
Dominoes Tournament (Tony and Barbara Ortiz Champions) St. Lucie County Fairgrounds
By Herman Santa
Ponceño Tony Ortíz and his American wife Bárbara won First Place in the Domino Tournament of the “Spanish American Club, Inc./Latin Chamber of Commerce of the Treasure Coast” held on Saturday, April 16, at the Latino Festival in the “St. Lucie County Fairgrounds.”
In second place was the Mexican Ruben Rodríguez and the Puerto Rican Frank Ortíz. In third place was the American-Mexican Martin Santos and the Dominican Celeste Fernández. The tournament started at 4:00 PM and ended at 9:00 PM. Among the participants were: Yours Truly, Rico Arnell, Adolfo Irizarry, José “Quique” Alvarado, Johnny Marfisi, Tommy Ortíz, Marco Matluck, Hector Juan, Jorge J. Rivera, Angel L. Rivera, Florencio Hernández, Jose Rivera, Raymond Rivera, Saul Maria Lara, Angel Rivera, Nelson Torres, Carmelo Martinez, Rufus Wysong, Abie Ortíz, Tom Cambell, and Chris Cambell.
Through the newspaper La Voz, I want to thank the Latin Chamber of Commerce of the Treasure Coast, especially Bobby Rodríguez, “Chairman,” for allowing us to organize the tournament. I also want to thank Rico Arnell, who helped me with the tournament. We cannot overlook and must appreciate all the players who showed up for the event. Many of them brought their dominoes and the tables that made the tournament successful.
Awards 2005 (Santa)
Recognized member 2005
Por Herman Santa
During the Annual Assembly held on Sunday, January 5, 2005, at the YMCA hall in the city of Port St. Lucie, the work of some of last year’s board members was recognized. The new President, Dr. Enrique Ospina, presented the outgoing president, Herman Santa, with a plaque featuring a photo of the directors.
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