Paella Police Funds
Axixic Masonic Lodge 31 recently realized that without Crime Scene Investigative Kits, the Chapala Police Department was working at a disadvantage. When consulted, Chapala Commander Moises Torres determined that four of the kits would fill the department’s current needs.
To raise the funds to purchase the kits, the lodge held a fundraising dinner with Dr. Antonio Pinto preparing a delicious Spanish paella and salad. A cash bar was available and sponsored by Tom and Jan Leonard of Hotel Perico, the site of the event.
Due to the generosity of the Leonards (Jan Leonard’s father was Most Worshipful Grand Master of New Zealand), there was no charge for the use of the venue.
Genealogy Forum
“Where Does It Say That: Learning to Love Indirect Evidence” is the title of a webinar to be introduced by Marci Bowman during the Genealogy Forum on Monday, September 28, 2 p.m. in the Sala at the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
Direct evidence, the sort of evidence that completely answers a research question, is often scarce. Without documentation to completely reveal connections, it can be difficult to identify relationships that might not be stated explicitly, resolve conflicts between records and arrive at sound genealogical conclusions. That’s when collecting, analyzing, and correlating indirect evidence comes into use. During the meeting attendees will examine records of the Henry McGinnis family of 19th century rural Pennsylvania, which includes good examples of using mostly indirect evidence to reconstruct family history with little direct documents.
Productos Corazones
The new café at the Lake Chapala Society is the work of Alejandra and Mark Foster, a couple who relocated at lakeside after a stint with a successful restaurant in Mexico City.
The enterprising duo are providing healthy and delicious meals and snacks from Mondays to Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. at Productos Corazones.
The Fosters have been in business on the LCS grounds for just two weeks but are already building a great reputation with their homemade meatloaf and award-winning flan topping the charts. The menu includes a variety of teas, coffees, salads, desserts and soups.
British Society
British Society member Libby Colterjohn will speak to the group during the Saturday, October 3, 1 p.m. luncheon meeting, when she will introduce her recently completed book, “Shanghai Loved and Lost,” the story of her family spanning 100 years and three continents. Just how Colterjohn was inspired to record her family’s history is a fascinating story in its own right.
The meeting will be held at Manix Restaurant at Ocampo 57 in Ajijic. Parking is available in the adjacent lot. Those planning to attend (members and guests) must call Alicia McNiff at (376) 765-4786 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to specify the menu choice.
A small salad is included with either the brisket, which is served with baked potato and vegetables, or the bass with mushrooms, sauce and vegetables. The cost is 125 pesos, including cheesecake for dessert and tip. A lighter selection, a large dinner salad, is also available.
Singles Zoo Trip
The LCS Singles group will head to the Guadalajara Zoo on Wednesday, October 7. Their 45-seat bus will leave from the sculpture in La Floresta at 9 a.m. LCS Singles have first priority for the seats, and will pay 320 pesos for the trip. They can reserve tickets by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. A maximum of 20 seats will be sold to other attendees. Non-LCS members will pay 370 pesos and must purchase their tickets in advance in the LCS office.
The cost includes many of the attractions offered at the zoo, such as MonkeyLand, Aquarium, Rain Forest, Villa Australia and the newest exhibit: the Reino de los Pingüinos, featuring 12 cute penguins. Those who wish to take the sky ride will need to pay for that ticket separately.
Searchable Library
The LCS Library has been catalogued and updated so that books can now be searched via the website at www.LakeChapalaSociety.org.
That address is the LCS home page. In the lower green border is the word “libraries.” Users can then select “English,” “Video,” or “Audio.” Clicking one of those options opens a short list of search tips and an easy to use search form. Books can be searched by either author or title.
Those searching for specific books, or anxious to determine if a popular book has been returned, or even trying to find a really good audio book for a car trip, will enjoy the convenience of this simple feature.
Those who are not sure what they want to read next will find that they can browse the books in the library by general categories.
The LCS Library, which started in a single bookcase in 1955, has over 28,000 books, and is one of largest collections of English books in a non-English-speaking country. New books are donated almost every day.
Golf Tournament
The Lake Chapala Shrine Club’s 18-hole, four-person scramble golf tournament is slated for Thursday, October 8 at the Chapala Country Club.
Individual players will be assigned to a foursome. The registration fee is 1,200 pesos per player (1,000 pesos for club members) and includes a continental breakfast, 18 holes of golf, a box lunch, use of a golf cart and ticket to the 4 p.m. awards banquet featuring a pig roast.
Non-players are welcome at the banquet in exchange for a 250-peso donation. A vegetarian entree is available. Meal tickets are available from any Shriner.
There are numerous competition and door prizes. In 2014 a player won the hole-in-one prize of a new golf cart worth over US$7,000.
All funds raised will be donated to the Shrine Children’s Transportation/Treatment Fund. Since 2006, the Lake Chapala Shrine Club has spent 2.4 million pesos to treat over 1,200 Mexican children living in the Chapala north shore area.
Player registration forms are available at the pro shop at the Country Club. If your business would like to sponsor a hole, contact Cesar Rubio at (376) 766-4481.
Song of Mexico
There was a full house at Ocampo 71 for the organizational meeting of the new Song of Mexico Drinking Club. Now other area residents are looking forward to joining the second meeting of this fun Mexican cultural program, scheduled Thursday, October 1, 6-9 p.m.
The evening starts off with a tasting of Mexican tequila, mezcal, wine or craft beer, followed by the learning of three or four famous Mexican songs. More songs are added to the group’s repertoire each month. As one early member said, “I’ve wanted to learn these great Mexican songs forever, and now I have a place to do it in a fun way!”
Ocampo 71 also offers a varied menu of foods (including vegetarian) to complete the evening.
Those wishing to attend can make reservations by the month or for the year directly with Carlos at Ocampo 71. Call (376) 108-0862 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Fashion for Kids
Lois Cugini is planning another fabulous fashion show to benefit Niños Incapaitados on Thursday, October 29, 3 p.m. in the garden at Aldama 31 in Ajijic.
On the runway will be trendy new styles, casual to dressy clothing by textile artist Lynn Gilbank, and the award-winning “Dunes” relaxed fashion line, as well as jewelry and accessories by Barbara Milagros, Flo Rhodes and Estela.
Tickets at 150 pesos are available at Cugini’s Boutique, by calling (376) 766-2793 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Proceeds from the cash bar also benefit Niños Incapacitados.
Save the date
The Lake Chapala Society will celebrate its 60th Anniversary with a grand all day “Free-esta” on Saturday, November 7. Dozens of lakeside non-profit groups and businesses will participate. There will be live music, dancing, displays and free food provided by local restaurants. The LCS invites all expats and Mexicans to participate in the celebration.
Putting on the Ritz
The annual auction fashion show, canapés and cocktails to benefit the School for Special Children in Jocotepec is scheduled for Friday, December 4, 1-5 p.m. at the San Juan Cosala Raquet Club.
The event will feature more than 30 outfits available at auction, a silent auction table, and a store.
Tickets cost 250 pesos and can be purchased at the donation drop-coffee gathering events at Claudette Champagne’s home (Rio Zula 4A) on Wednesday, October 21, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or at Leslie Martin’s home (Prolongacion Galeana 260) on Wednesday, November 4, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For information or to have donations picked up, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..