Open Circle
Lila Wells is a big fan of the National Public Radio program “Selected Shorts,” in which Broadway actors read short stories before a live audience.
Wells hopes attendees of Open Circle on Sunday, December 20 will enjoy a similar program, titled “Holiday Stories,” when two holiday-themed selections by Truman Capote and William Sydney Porter (alias O. Henry) will be read.
Wells caught the acting bug at the age of 16, when she played the lead in the all-youth production of a summer musical. She’s been acting and directing ever since in community theater productions from Pirandello’s “Six Characters in Search of an Author” to “The Rocky Horror Show.” Her comfort on stage encouraged her to seek a career as a nonprofit executive, which included training staff and volunteers.
Wells arrived in Ajijic in March. Already she has been involved in the Naked Stage and will soon be seen in the Lakeside Little Theatre production of “Nunsense.”
Open Circle meetings begin on the back patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS) at 10:30 a.m.
LCS Singles
Despite the unseasonal rain, revelers enjoyed last week’s LCS Singles holiday bash and excellent buffet provided by Salvador’s. The apple-cranberry sauce accompaniment to the turkey and ham was given lavish praise, as was the stand-out pecan pie.
LCS Learning Seminar
Members of the LCS are invited to attend the Tuesday, December 22 learning seminar featuring science historian Dr. Laurel Braitman talking on “Depressed Dogs, Cats with OCD: What Animal Madness Means for Humans.” Rick Rhoda moderates the session from noon to 1:15 p.m.
Braitman will showcase numerous examples of animals with mental health issues, including obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Her talk draws heavily upon her recent book, “Animal Madness: How Anxious Dogs, Compulsive Parrots, and Elephants in Recovery Help Us Understand Ourselves.”
Nacimientos
Lakesiders still have time to catch a delightful display of an extensive collection of crechés (nativity scenes) made either in Mexico or far flung countries around the world. The photograph above includes a touching Peruvian piece with the child resting in a hammock. The delicately formed and colored trio of figures are crafted in Italy. The nativity scenes will be on public view at the Lakeside Presbyterian Church from Friday, December 18 through Tuesday, December 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Lakeside Presbyterian Church is at San Jorge 250 in Riberas del Pilar. There is no charge.
LCS Shopping Trips
Lakesiders will no doubt still be in shopping mode, even a few days after Christmas Day. So on Monday, December 28, the LCS bus will head to Tonala for home décor and handicrafts, to Tlaquepaque to visit upscale retailers, and fine restaurants in its historical and architecturally significant pedestrian-only zone. Accommodations can be made for those who wish to shop at the department stores in the Forum Mall in Tlaquepaque. The cost is 250 pesos for members and 300 pesos for non-members. Register in the LCS office in advance. The bus departs promptly at 9 a.m. from the sculpture in La Floresta.
Lakesiders who want an upscale shopping and dining experience can sign up for the Wednesday, January 6 trip to Andares Mall. As well as the Liverpool and Palacio de Hierro department stores, the mall is packed with high-end boutiques, accessory stores, footwear shops and a selection of fine restaurants. There’s also a Walmart facing the mall.
Members pay 250 pesos and non-members 300 pesos. The bus departs promptly at 10 a.m. from the La Floresta sculpture.
Trivia Quiz
The Niños Incapacitados charity is sponsoring two trivia quizzes at the Hotel Real de Chapala on Tuesday, January 12.
Join in the brain-teasers, creative costumes, colorful table arrangements and delicious food treats at either an afternoon or evening session.
Tickets cost 250 pesos for the 2 p.m. quiz and 300 pesos for the 6:30 p.m. quiz. Tables of eight may be reserved.
For ticket information contact Lorna at 766-2793 or 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..
New Year’s Eve Shrimp
American Post 7 in Chapala is set to repeat one of its most popular events of the year – the annual all-you-can-eat Peel and Eat Shrimp and Wings party on Thursday, December 31, from 1 to 6 p.m.
According to Roy Lahri and Susannah Kelly, who are heading up this event, those who wish to attend are urged to buy the 220-peso tickets very soon. Each year the tickets sell out and leave disappointed shrimp lovers at the door.
Diners will gather at 1 p.m. and the food, which also includes Parmesan potatoes and salad, will be served at 2 p.m. Two bands, Noe and the Men in Black and Ricardo and Blanca, begin entertaining the early party-goers at 1 p.m.
Adding to the afternoon’s fun will be a series of raffles and prizes.