It wasn’t a conventional Rotary meeting today, but it was just as good – a Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay Social, with business strictly Rotary-style --- spending time together catching up, sharing food and drink, and planning upcoming Rotary activities.
Some 25 Rotarians and spouses filled the welcoming Barterra Winery back room, where current club President Irwin Cohen called the evening to order at about 6:15 p.m. Attendees passed around (and emptied) platters of chips, vegetables and small but delicious tapas while buzzing about the upcoming Magic of the Lobsterfest, coming up on Sept. 7, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay Foundation. Liz Schuck passed out larger posters spotlighting the Lobsterfest, suitable for putting up in windows or other public places.
Discussion turned to the next Farmers’ Market, on Saturday, Aug. 3; local nonprofits will have booths at the market, from which they can meet with the public to promote their organizations’ causes. Ginger asked for volunteers from the club to man the booth that day, and about five club members volunteered.
Conversation touched on the upcoming “Wine Pull,” with the Rotarians present enthusiastically supporting this kind of social event. There were also some enthusiastic comments in favor of the room where we were – Barterra’s back room – for our social meetings like this one.
“This is perfect --- the size, and with the kitchen right here,” said Ginger Minoletti.
Attention was given to the hors d’oeuvres being passed around – small plates with such delectables as cheeses, basil dip, tapas, salmon bruschetta and more, nicely paired with bottles of wine, water or sodas going around. Giner kept popping into the kitchen, bringing out more, so the plates were going around several times.
“These are fun -- and such a great way to catch up,” said club member (and District Governor-elect) Mitone Griffiths. “We’ve all been such great friends.”
President Irwin summed it up nicely: “It was a wonderful social event. We traded tapas and various topics.”