euskalkultura.eus

Rio Cuarto, Argentina.  After lying dormant for a year, the burners in the Basque club in Rio Cuarto will be relit this Sunday.  “During 2012 we couldn’t make this exquisite and characteristic dish since the clubhouse being renovated and there was no gas connection.  Fortunately, now in 2013 we can do it again,” according to club sources.

The sale will take place this Sunday, June 16, but reservations will be taken from Thursday at noon.  “Since there is already quite a demand, we suggest that you buy your tickets ahead of time since only 450 portions will be prepared,” they added.  Tickets cost $60 pesos and can be purchased at the club’s office from 10:00-12:00 or by phone 0358 46 24652.  Purchase delivery will begin on Sunday at 12:15pm.

As many other clubs in Argentina and the world, the preparation and sale of gourmet dishes by chefs or club volunteers is great funding source for clubs, and one that the Basques in Rio Cuarto rely on in order to pay for its activities as well as, in this case, remodeling the clubhouse.

Remodeling the clubhouse

The remodeling as well as the paella sale are topics in the monthly club newsletter.  June’s issue explains that the goal is always to better serve its members, and the club continues with remodeling the clubhouse.  The kitchen being done, the next step is to work on the multi-purpose room and bar.  “These spaces are reserved solely for members.  The idea is to have a bar or txoko for those who would like to enjoy a pintxo or typical drink during the week while enjoying Basque music.  In May we began the first step – plastering, bathrooms and sanitary facilities – and near the end of the year we will continue with working on the electricity, carpentry, air conditioning and ventilation,” according to Gure Ametza’s newsletter.

Recognizing communities

Gure Ametza is to be congratulated.  On May 23 the recognition of communities was held in Rio Cuarto.  The event was organized by the wives of the local Rotary club, and took place in the Municipal Theater, attended by representatives of the Israeli Society, the French Society, Spanish Society, Italian Society, and the local community of the Republic of Bolivia, the Syrian-Lebanese Society, and the Basque club.

[Representatives of the Rotary club Nilda de Sarquis along with Basque club members (photo EE)]

[Photo of the recognition that Gure Ametza received from the Rotary Club (photoEE)]

Besides the humanitarian purposed that drove the initiative, the “Recognizing Communities” festival aims to create a space to show the community the dances and music of different peoples.  Representatives of each community were also presented the award “Recognizing Communities.” “It was a magical night of fellowship,” Gure Ametza summarized.