Astero
Colorado Euskal Etxea Picnic in Grand Junction with Pilota
Last Saturday, the Colorado Euskal Etxea hosted its annual picnic at the Grand Junction Pilota Court, Plaza Urrutia. Club President, and NABO Treasurer, Mayi Petracek, worked on putting the event together there for two years. Helping her in the effort was NABO Pilota Chair, Tony Huarte who brought a partner from San Francisco, and another team from Los Angeles to put on an exhibition match. Some 100 people gathered for the event that meant so much to so many, especially in this, NABO’s 50th anniversary year, when we remember Grand Junction as one of the original 8 charter NABO member clubs. On behalf of everyone at NABO, Mila, mila esker Mayi and Tony and to all who made this day possible. To read a wonderful article on the event, click here.
Lagunak Luncheon at Elko Basque House
Last Saturday, nearly 100 women from Basque communities all over the western states gathered at the Elko Euzkaldunak Basque Club for a wonderful afternoon. The idea for this gathering came from Florence Frye who started the Lagunak women’s group in Reno. After hosting several events in Reno, Florence dreamed of bringing more women together, thus sparking the idea for the Elko gathering. The idea was so well received in Boise, that they chartered a bus, and even stopped to pick up friends in Mountain Home on their way. The day began with a meet and greet, allowing everyone to catch up with old friends, and meet some new ones, while browsing the wonderful vendors’ booths. Florence welcomed the group and Edurne Arostegui (ABD) who is finishing her doctoral thesis at the Center for Basque Studies, provided information regarding Basque women immigrants. Edurne also shared a slide show created by the Basque Museum and Cultural Center that features women interviewed by Patti Miller as part of the Community History Project, that featured many women, and families represented at Saturday’s event. Members of Boise’s Biotzetik Choir led the group in singing “Gernikako Arbola,” and Kate Camino followed leading the group in saying grace in Basque and English. Everyone then enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by Zach Arbillaga, complete with kroketas prepared by his grandmother, Anna Marie Arbillaga. After the meal, folks lingered to visit and continue to shop, and many of the group reconvened later Saturday night at the Star for more great food and camaraderie. Thank you to Edurne for sharing her photos of the day, and a special Eskerrik Asko to Florence for not giving up on her dream. Some are now talking about making this an annual event. Enjoy the photos of the day below.
Basque Cider & Wine Course at Truckee Meadows Community College
This Saturday, October 1st, Edurne Arostegui will be teaching a class at TMCC in Reno on Basque Cider and Wine. The class will allow participants to sample Basque wines, cheeses and ciders and learn about the “significance of Basque culinary practices, and how they have evolved throughout history.” Cost of the class is $59 and the material cost is $30. To register for the class, or for more information, click here.
9/29/2022
