 | | | Taking a coffee break at Moraga's Hacienda de las Flores on a cold morning. Photo Sophie Braccini
| | | | | | Every weekday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. the Hacienda de las Flores in Moraga is welcoming anyone in need of a cup of coffee and cookies. Next to the large Fireside room a petite buffet table is set up by Parks and Recreation Assistant Kim Burrowes; the supplies are paid for by the Moraga Movers, a group of active seniors.
"We were discussing ways of getting more people to come and appreciate the beautiful Hacienda de las Flores as a community and gathering place," said Movers' President Bob Foxall, "and the Parks and Recreation Director suggested this open and free coffee."
One recent morning,, a conversation group of gentlemen who've been meeting every Thursday morning for the last 10 years to debate all topics of life was seeking refuge from the cold morning in the Fireside room. Lounging on the leather sofas or peering through the windows at the majestic and frozen grounds, they were enjoying the warm building and each other's company.
Groups, walkers, moms on their way to the park with their kids, or anyone who just wants to sit and enjoy the venue- are all welcome. "This is open to everyone of any age, and we do not discriminate against the people of Lafayette and Orinda," added Foxall with a smile. "It will go on as long as we have people coming."
The Hacienda de las Flores is a Spanish-style historic estate and former mansion of the Rheem family who built it in 1929; it is now a town property operating as a community center and is located at 2100 Donald Drive, off Moraga Road.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA