¡HOLA! We are the Latinos Club, and our mission is to bring Latinos together to socialize and positively impact our community! – ¡Uniendo a los Latinos para Socializar y Generar un Impacto Positivo en Nuestra Comunidad! – You do not have to be Latino to join!
We introduced our club during the Club Fair in October 2024, and within two months, we have over 60 members! So many residents have told us they are happy we finally have a Latino club. We are thrilled with the tremendous, rapid growth that we have experienced. We attribute our success to providing members with a diversified array of events and many get-togethers that are free to our members. There is an annual membership fee.
Our first event was held for our founding members in November 2024. It included a celebratory ribbon cutting, a meet-and-greet, and a champagne toast. A few Chicas Latinas got together at the home of one of our new members, Yvette Aguiar, who taught them how to make Puerto Rican pasteles. The couple of hours were filled with laughter, cooking, and delicious treats provided by Yvette and the attending Chicas. The Chicas Latinas have plans to get together in homes, restaurants, and more!
The first double six (doble seis) dominoes night was held in December 2024. Other game nights, including double nine and Mexican train dominoes, are already scheduled.
Members enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon at the Appleton Museum of Art, where they celebrated the Day of the Three Kings. The afternoon included a private tour and an artwork-creating session. Members voted for the best artwork, and Yamila Code won.
Kathy Torres introduced pickleball to our members; seasoned players are welcome!
2025 events planned include exploring Latin American flavors and wine tasting on Saturday, Feb. 22; Latin music bingo with Imagine Entertainment followed by dancing on Saturday, April 12; Baila Caliente socializing and dancing on Saturday, May 22; Hispanic Heritage celebration on Saturday, Sept. 13; and honoring our troops Saturday, Nov. 1.
In addition, there will be meet-ups, dinners, dominoes, pickleball, dancing, and more. Members have told us they wish to help and get involved; Mari Soler is our new volunteer coordinator.
For membership application and/or more information, please call Silvia C. Garcia at 561-801-8188; Ivan Vazquez at 727-403-9629; Jesus Alvarez at 954-549-7953; or Beatriz Keleman at 828-545-9277. Please feel free to suggest additional events to the board. We look forward to meeting you (you do not have to be Latino to join)! Follow us on Facebook (OTOW Latinos Club Ocala).
Author: Silvia Garcia
