The Genealogy Forum will hold its regular meeting on Monday, February 24, 2 p.m. in the Sala at the Lake Chapala Society.
This is a great chance to learn more about writing up your family’s history. Do you have boxes of old photos of your relatives and ancestors that you never got around to organizing? Have your relatives told you stories about how some ancestor became famous – or infamous? Have you always wanted to write all this down but didn’t know where to start? The special guest speaker, Bob Craft, will talk about writing your family history – where to start and what to do. He will describe types of genealogical writing, suggest techniques for making your facts come alive, and describe various approaches and tools for getting the job done. Besides the work of others, he will draw on two projects of his own, one completed and delivered to an appreciative family, and another one a work in progress.
Whether you decide to write or not, contemplating the possibility will broaden your genealogical perspective.
LCS seminars
The Tuesday, February 25 seminar (noon to 1:15 p.m.), available for Lake Chapala Society members, will be chaired by Ron Mullenaux. It features (via TED Internet podcast) Sam Harris: “Science Can Answer Moral Questions.” Questions of good and evil, right and wrong are commonly thought unanswerable by science, but Sam Harris argues that science can – and should – be an authority on moral issues, shaping human values and setting out what constitutes a good life.
The February 25 Neill James lecture at 2 p.m. features “Decoding Mesoamerican Religious Iconography” by Dr. Suzanne Forrest. The past half-century has brought dramatic changes in understanding Maya and Aztec cultures. Hieroglyphics decoded in the past half century reveal the new insights into the history, art and scientific knowledge. Translation of Maya and Nahuatl documents has revealed much of their history and mythology had been “hidden in plain sight.”
Lakeside artists in parade
Lakeside artists joined in the 2014 Chili Cookoff with a parade float depicting painters Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo and an art auction that put 1,520 pesos into the kitty for local charities.
Bitcoin & future of money
An informational lecture about bitcoin, the virtual internet currency that has received a lot of press coverage recently, takes place Lake Chapala Society Sala on Friday, February 28, 2 p.m. Bitcoin specialist Samuel Kovac will talk about what bitcoin is, how it works, and its benefits. The focus will be on people who travel a lot or live abroad. Kovac will explain why bitcoin is better and safer than cash and credit cards for both individuals and businesses. He will also cover legal issues and challenges.
Entrance is free and open to all, both LCS members and non-members, but space is limited. For more information e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.tiny.cc/bitcoinchapala.
Spanish classes
The next term of Spanish language classes at the Lake Chapala Society (LCS) begin on Monday, March 3 and continue through April 26 (including a one-week break for Semana Santa).
The LCS Spanish program uses the Warren Hardy Spanish-language course which is designed for the adult student. Several levels of learning are available as student progress in the program.
Registration for these upcoming classes is currently under way at the LCS office weekdays. Sign-up for classes will also by held the week of February 24-28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the LCS campus located under on the blue umbrella patio during which time the instructor will be available for evaluations as to the correct level for students. Classes are 650 pesos, plus federal sales tax (IVA — 16 percent).
Introduction to Spanish
This is a casual class offered for the beginner that covers the Spanish alphabet, simple vocabulary and phrases to use about town for shopping, and other useful information on our area and the Mexican culture.
Classes are held each month starting the first Tuesday of the month and going for four weeks. March classes start on March 4, and are held at the LCS campus from noon until 1:30 p.m. Learning materials are provided to the student and the tuition is 150 pesos, plus IVA.
Sign up is currently available at the LCS office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
LCS is located at 16 de Septiembre 6-A, Ajijic. Call (376) 766-1140 or visit www.lakechapalasociety.com.
Green Angels
Reps of Mexico’s Ángeles Verdes (Green Angels) were back at the Chili Cookoff as regular guest exhibitors, coupling up with officials from Jalisco’s Tourist Ministry to hand out free maps and tourist information flyers. The friendly highway heroes patrol an average of 60,000 kilometers of federal highways and toll roads across the nation every day, offering free assistance to motorists who get off track or become waylaid by mechanical breakdowns, accidents and medical emergencies. For help, just dial the 078 hotline from any phone inside the country.
Progressives
At the meeting of the Lakeside Progressives on February 11 members discussed the problems facing the United States and identified these three as the most urgent ones: (1) reducing the emission of greenhouse gases causing global climate change that threatens to make the planet uninhabitable by humans; (2) reforming political campaigning and election procedures to make government more responsive to the wishes of the people, including reversing the Citizens United decision that permits unlimited corporate financing of campaigns and increases the power of corporations in government, and prohibiting gerrymandering of electoral districts to guarantee election of candidates of particular political parties that results in uncompetitive elections that do not reflect the voices of voters; and (3) promoting economic justice, including changing provisions in tax laws that are biased in favor of the wealthy, assuring living wages for all workers, reducing income inequality, and enhancing economic mobility. At their next meeting on March 11 the Progressives will consider solutions to these problems.
Tarahumara
Libby Townsend of the Tarahumara Project thanks everyone who turned out for the Bodega fundraiser at the beginning of February. She gives a big thank to Javier and Martha Gonzalez, proprietors of La Bodega Restaurant, Javier Raygoza and friends for the music, and Jose Melendrez for rounding out the event.
Due to circumstances beyond Townsend’s control, her departure for the Barrancas del Cobre has been postponed until the end of February. However, this means there is more time to donate blankets, warm clothing or money for the free Tarahumara hospital in Creel, Chihuahua. Call Townsend at (376) 766-3338, or (376) 766-1167 for more information.
Animal friends
Lakeside Friends of the Animals, A.C thanks everyone who attended the Valentines charity function at Roberto’s Restaurant. All ten Mary Francis bags were auctioned off to the highest bidders. A wonderful time was has by all, organizers say.
Open Circle
At the Open Circle meeting on Sunday, February 23, Gary Fish will talk about his gripping new memoir that details his efforts to heal after the death of his wife.
“Yes, Men Do Cry” reveals a rare glimpse into a world of shattered dreams and the remaking of a man. It follows the death of his first wife Lois and charts the breakdown of the inner man and its manifestations in the mind.
Few men have done this kind of grieving revelation in a book – there has always been a veil of silence, even in fiction, over the coping process. By stepping out of the macho mode and letting the world see his pain, Fish proves that he is the better man for this in his raw diaries.
Fish was born in New Zealand and moved to Vancouver, Canada in 1974, where he met and married Lois. They had two children, Dallas and Nathan. He remarried after Lois’s death and is now retired in Mexico.
Weekly Open Circle gatherings start with coffee, tea and sandwich bites for socializing at 10 a.m., followed by the program at 10:30 a.m. sharp.
St. Andrew’s
Talk about an uncomfortable set of readings! This Sunday at St. Andrew’s, the congregation will hear God tell us, “Be holy – like me!” They will hear St. Paul tell us our bodies are temples for God’s Spirit, and that those temples better be “holy.” Then, if we manage to struggle off of those twin hooks, we will hear Jesus command us, “Be perfect, as perfect as my heavenly Father!” When was the last time you were holy? When were you most recently perfect? And how in the world can Fr. Winston Welty preach a sermon on those three readings entitled “Good News”? If that’s what God expects of me, demands of me, how can that possibly be good news for me? There’s only one way to find out, and that’s to show up for worship this week, at either the 9 or 11 a.m. service. And while you’re at it, don’t miss the refreshments, fellowship and welcome that take place in the Garden between the two services. And for those with kids, don’t forget that children’s Sunday School starts at 10:45 a.m. St. Andrew’s is located at Calle San Lucas 19, just a block south of the Carretera in Riberas del Pilar.
Presbyterians
On Sunday, February 3, Pastor Ross Arnold began a series of sermons based upon the Lord’s Prayer. Each week, the congregation at Lakeside Presbyterian Church has been discovering the layers of meaning in this beautiful text, which appears in the books of Matthew and Luke.
On Sunday, February 23, “God’s Merciful Provision” – give us this day our daily bread – will be explored. Jesus’ instruction was that we ask God for our provisions, and that we do so daily. Why? What does this mean, and what do we have a right to expect from God in providing for us on a daily basis?
You may have recited the Lord’s Prayer dozens, maybe hundreds of times, and you must believe you know it well. Think again: perhaps there is more to learn and appreciate! Pastor Arnold will no doubt reveal new and profound insights into this aspect of Christianity’s most beautiful prayer.
Sunday worship begins at 10 a.m. Following the service, there is fellowship and refreshments. Lakeside Presbyterian Church is in Riberas del Pilar, on the mountain side of the Carretera, between S&S Auto and Vigolari. Look for the sign, “You have family at Lakeside!”
Spiritual Living
The Reverend Tim Schubert presents “God is, I am,” an exploration of the experience of our Higher Self or the Divine Spark (chispa divina) at the Center for Spiritual Living (Nicolas Bravo 17, Ajijic) on Friday, February 28, from 5-6 p.m. A social hour follows.
“Practicing Compassionate Communication” begins Wednesday, February 26, and continues through April 16. This class is about having satisfactory conversations with friends, partners, family and difficult people in our lives in a mindful and empathic way. The program begins with an optional meditation from 10-10:20 a.m., followed by the group from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
“Building Healthy Relationships; How to grow yourself in Relationships,” led by Tim and Arlene Schubert, begins March 11 (10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) and continues for eight weeks. For more information and to register, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Thursday discussion group is sharing the book, “A Thousand Names for Joy” by Byron Katie. The program begins with an optional meditation from 10-10:20 a.m., followed by the group from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
The Spanish Group that is discussing “The Ten Concepts of Science of Mind” meets on Thursdays at Calle 16 de Septiembre 30 from 7-9:30 p.m.
For information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call 766-0920, or see www.cslchapala.com.
Christ Church
Christ Church Lakeside celebrates the seventh Sunday after Epiphany on February 23, by celebrating Holy Communion Rite II at 9:30 a.m. at the Little Chapel by the Lake. Senior Warden Jim Powers will be preaching and his sermon topic is” Love Your Enemies.” Christ Church and the Little Chapel enjoy a common fellowship time between their two services, from about 10:35 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Christ Church Lakeside and the Little Chapel by the Lake will be holding their second annual pancake supper on March 4, from 5-7 p.m.
Christ Church Lakeside will be celebrating its Ash Wednesday service on March 5, 5 p.m. with the imposition of ashes.
Deacon Rob Wells is leading a Bible study group on Tuesday mornings from 10:50 AM. The current topic is the gospel of Matthew. Deacon Wells is using the Jerusalem Bible as a source of text because of its copious notes and commentary. It is not necessary to have attended a previous session.
Little Chapel
The Little Chapel by the Lake continues with its regular schedule of services on Sunday, February 23. A pre-service refreshment period will begin at 10:45 a.m. with worship to follow at 11:15 a.m.
“Fishing Tips” will be the title of Rev. Gene Raymer’s message. He says there are lessons we can learn from Jesus’ third post-resurrection appearance to the disciples that are valuable to us today. As usual, the worship service will be followed by a fellowship lunch at a local restaurant.
The Little Chapel by the Lake is an interdenominational congregation that welcomes all Christian believers. The church is located on the mountain side of the Carretera in Chula Vista just east of the golf course.
Unitarians
The Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (LCUUF) meets every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at the Plaza de la Ribera (Rio Bravo 10A, Ajijic). Contact either Fred Harland (766-1458) or Sandy Wallin (765-7231) for further information.
The presentation on Sunday, February 23 will be given by Trudy Crippen on “War Is Peace and Ignorance is Strength,” which will look at the history of western espionage, focusing primarily on the National Security Agency (NSA).
The fellowship will gather for lunch at Daniel’s Restaurant following the service.