Bowling 2005 (Tournament)
Successful 1st Bowling Tournament of the SACI….Roger Janke and Armelle La O, Champions 2005
By Herman Santa
With the camaraderie that a bowling tournament promotes for the first time, the “First Bowling Tournament” was held successfully with the participation of over 13 players made up of members and guests. The tournament was organized to raise funds for a scholarship for a Hispanic student. The event took place on Saturday, October 1st, at the Saint Lucie Lanes bowling alley in Port St. Lucie and was characterized by a high level of competition framed by the camaraderie among players and friends who gathered to participate in the event.
Roger Janke entered the final stage of three games with 590 (524) pins knocked down in three games for an average of 196 with a handicap of 4. Nick Arnell finished in second place with 529 (551) pins knocked down for an average of 176 and a handicap of 22. In third place was Ralph Annunziata with 491 (524) pins knocked down for an average of 163 and a handicap of 33.
While in the female category, Armelle La O claimed victory by knocking down 354 (428) pins for an average of 118 and a handicap of 74. In second place was Letica Goff with a total of 332 (413) pins knocked down for an average of 110 and a handicap of 81. Third place went to Muriel Annunziata with 303 (392) pins knocked down for an average of 101 and a handicap of 33. The formula used to determine the winner was based on “200 Average X 3 Games – 90%.” Blanca Kaiser was the winner of the practice award (Best Improved) with a certificate from El Caribe Restaurant in Palm City. Other participants in the tournament included Raul and Alejandro Solanilla, Herman and Lucy Santa, Dana Kaiser, and Cassie Arnell. The achievement of the members of SACI in organizing the “1st Bowling Tournament 2005” is a true testament to what can be accomplished through collective effort driven by talent and an insatiable hunger to reach a goal.
The work carried out by the Bowling Committee composed of Herman Santa, Rico Arnell, and Leticia Goff was key in encouraging the members to practice for the event. A special shout-out to Rico, who is unwell and recovering from surgery and was unable to participate in the tournament. We hope he gets better soon and returns to club activities. I cannot conclude without making a special mention of the members, guests, and sponsors who were present for this great event. The sponsors were: Albert Sabina from Scripps, Rea Anne Ospina from Premier Service Mortgage, Blanca Kaiser from Realty Unlimited GMAC, Ivonne Fraga from La Voz, Juan and Gladys Piñeiro from El Caribe Restaurant in Palm City, and Carlos David Ramirez from Centro Latino. Thank you for such generous donations.


Assembly 2006
Members of SACI elect Board of Directors at Don Ramon restaurant in Stuart
Por Herman Santa
The president of the Spanish American Club, Inc. (SACI) swore in the new board of directors, which took place on Sunday, January 5, 2006, at the “Don Ramón” restaurant in Stuart. The new Board of Directors consists of Dr. Enrique Ospina, Rachel Medina, Isa Bryson, William Preciado, and Blanca M. Kaiser.



Some members at the Annual General Assembly
Assembly 2005
Members of SACI elect Board of Directors at YMCY in Port St Lucie
By Herman Santa
Historic swearing-in of the Board of Directors 2005… The Honorable Judge Gary Sweet administers the oath.
On Saturday, January 15, with a strong participation of members, the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” (SACI) celebrated its 12th Annual General Assembly at the YMCY in Port St. Lucie. During the convention, members also amended the bylaws, which have been revised 7 times since the club was founded in 1992, and as usual, the board for the year 2005 was elected. After messages addressed to those present by outgoing president Herman Santa and the heartfelt closing words from each of the new directors, the meeting was adjourned.
After the meeting, the partners enjoyed an exquisite Chinese buffet. Afterwards, the Honorable Judge, Gary Sweet, administered the oath to the new Board of Directors, and immediately plaques were awarded to outstanding partners, concluding the event with the traditional group photographs for the club’s annual pamphlet. The new Board of Directors is composed of Dr. Enrique Ospina; President, Bobby Rodríguez; Vice President, Rico Arnell; Treasurer, Diego Chiriboga; Secretary, and Nidia Barraza; Member. Honorary Members: Herman Santa and Gladys Piñeiro, who have been elected as presidents of the Corporation and are current with their dues.
Other honorary partners who have been elected or served on the Board of Directors and are up to date on their dues are: Ron and Isa Bryson, Gladys Vélez, René Cifuentes, Marie Andrée Gómez, Sara Lee, Iliana Zequeira, Leticia Goff, Maite Peterson, Lucy Santa, and Ana Swift. It was a night where the partners enjoyed themselves in a great atmosphere of camaraderie and joy.



Awards 2010 (Sánchez)
Recognized member, Dominic Sánchez
By Herman Santa
The Spanish American Club, Inc. (SACI) board of directors and its members want to thank Dominic Sánchez of Nuestra Costa TV (Our Coast TV) in Port St. Lucie for his overwhelming generosity in helping developing our Web site. Dominic vision and creative talents are truly appreciated. The Web site will be a tremendous tool for the non profit organization in it s service to the members on the Treasure Coast.

Assembly 2010
Members of SACI elect Board of Directors at the Riveras residence in Port St Lucie
By Herman Santa
The Spanish American Club, Inc. (SACI) has announced the names of the members of its 2010 board of directors. The new board of directors of the club are President; Jimmy Rivera, Vice President; Nancy Rozon, Secretary; Al Feliciano, Treasurer; Ron Bryson and Director; Mary Figliola. In addition of the members electing a new board, the members awarded and Glady Piñeiro last year Board of Director and Dominic Sanchez of “Nuestra Costa TV” for their contribution to the club.
After the dinner, the new board collected some funds for Haiti and the Scholarship Committee had a raffle and the hat dance contest. Members opened their hearts and their wallets to the Haiti earthquake relief effort. The Board reported that at the General Assembly Dinner-Dance Party they collected $600 toward Haiti relief. The funds collected were donated to the local American Red Cross.
Winners of the door prizes, 50/50 and hat contest were: Karen Diamond (Certificate from Marisco Rest.), Xiomara Guanill (Picture), Annie Del Rosario (Gift Basket), Diana Sperl (Certificate from Marisco Rest.), Grisell Guanill (50/50) and Linda Manzanares (Hat Dance Contest). Last year the club celebrated a very successful year providing scholarships two local High School students, and donating certificates on Thanksgiving Day, collecting toys for low-income families and school supplies for local schools. Thanks to the generosity of our club members who attended the event. The club is fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers. They are a big reason SACI is the best Latin social club on the Treasure Coast.



Board 2010
By Herman Santa

Halloween 2006
Mask Dance of the “SACI” at “VFW”
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, October 28th, the members of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” celebrated the best dance of the year. This was the “Halloween” party with masks, music, camaraderie, and joy. The party was held at the VFW in the city of Stuart and was entertained by “Show Time DJ”. It started at 8:30 PM and ended at 12:30 AM as scheduled. The occasion was perfect for all those who wanted to reward themselves after finishing a week of work, enjoying a fun time with the members of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” who love salsa, merengue, line dance (Cha Cha Slide, Electric Slide, etc.), and Colombian music. There were all kinds of activities including raffles, prizes, and surprises.



Scholarship 2006 (Hernández)
14th scholarship from the “Spanish American Club, Inc.”
By Herman Santa
Dr. Enrique Ospina, President of the Spanish American Club, Inc. “S.A.C.l.”, Herman Santa, director of the Scholarship Program, William Preciado and Isa Bryson, members of the S.A.C.l. Scholarship Committee met Saturday May 20th to select to the winners of the 2006 scholarship. Jessica Benitez, Mexican of Port St Lucie and Miriam Hernandez, Guatemalan of 1ndiantown were selected among a pool of six Hispanic candidates as the winners of the-SACI Scholarship this year.
S.AC.I raises funds throughput social activities such as: dances, cruises, golf, dominoes and bowling tournaments. The scholarship funds are forwarded to the Indian River Community College to help students of limited economic resources. SA.C:L is a nonprofit Organization, founded 1992 to unite Hispanics and Americans of the Treasure Coast through cultural, recreational and fund-raising activities.
The Club awards its scholarship every year in the spring. In order to qualify for it, the applicant must be a High School student of Martin or St. Lucie public High School, must have a minimum average grade of 3.0 and must speak, write and read Spanish. I want to thank the members of the club, the Hispanic establishments and all of those who helped us raise funds for the scholarship.

Scholarship 2006 (Benitez)
13th scholarship from the “Spanish American Club, Inc.”
By Herman Santa
At the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” (SACI), we are extremely proud to once again donate a scholarship to a Hispanic student. The winner of the 2006 scholarship was Jessica Benitez, a Mexican from Port St. Lucie. Annually, the club awards these scholarships to assist Hispanic youth graduating from high school in Martin or St. Lucie counties.
Selecting the scholarship winners of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” is not an easy task. For this reason, the selection has been entrusted to the Board of Directors. Each of the directors reviews the applications submitted by the students and then meets with them to ask a multitude of questions. The selection of the winning students is based on a series of questions posed to all students, covering topics from music and reading to art, which the scholarship committee then assesses based on their answers.
The committee also takes into account the academic achievements of each student. The scholarships are worth $500 each and are awarded to students after confirmation that they have been accepted by the university or college they will be attending. We are very proud of all the scholarship winners since the club was founded in 1992. To date, 12 students have received this scholarship. This year, four students applied for the scholarship, and two were selected. Our congratulations to all!

Winter 2007
Annual Get Together residence of John and Cristina Abbott
By Herman Santa
As always happens when friends come together to share a pleasant and special moment, joy flows abundantly, and every time the friendship group gathers, there is always food, music, and enjoyment. That’s what took place on Saturday, January 21, at the residence of John and Cristina Abbott when they offered their home in the “Crane Creek-Martin Downs” neighborhood in Palm City to celebrate the 1st “Get Together” of the year. The event began with a “Wine and cheese” cocktail, and then the numerous members of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” and their guests enjoyed a delicious dinner featuring Latin dishes and desserts.
The dance began with Spanish music. The highlight was the hostess, her compatriot Maite Peterson, and the Mexican Carolina Weeks, who danced flamenco. It was an amazing celebration to start the year in which we had a wonderful time. Thank you, John and Cristina, for another well-planned gathering.


