Religious festivities
Chapala’s celebration of its patron San Francisco de Asis continues through Tuesday, October 4 with early morning prayer sessions and a procession to the church along the north end of Avenida Madero beginning 6:30 a.m.
Evening processions along the full length of the city’s main thoroughfare begin 6:30 p.m. leading to mass at 7 p.m. Cultural entertainment programs will be staged outside the church atrium after evening services. Paseo Ramon Corona will be the scene of mechanical rides and Mexican traditional food stalls, culminating in a fireworks display in front of the temple at 10 a.m.
U.S. election
Democrats Abroad continues to help U.S citizens register to vote. Saturday, October 1, from 10 a.m. to noon, you can get help to complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) for your state at the Lake Chapala Society. Deadlines are near, so don’t delay.
To do it yourself, go to www.VoteFromAbroad.org, fill out the card following exactly the instructions from your state and deposit the completed FPCA in the Democrats Abroad ballot box in the LCS office or deliver it to the U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara. Email questions to 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..
Enjoy the debates
Democrats Abroad is holding a Vice Presidential Debate Watch Tuesday, October 4, 7:30 p.m. at Club Exotica, on the Plaza in Ajijic. Seven TV screens with CNN international will be on. Food, including burgers, fish tacos and popcorn, will be available along with a cash bar. Admission is 100 pesos. The last two presidential debates will be at the same address and time, Sunday October 9 and Wednesday, October 19.
Lakeside British Society
The next Lakeside British Society lunch is Saturday, October 1, 1 p.m. at Manix Restaurant when Lily Walker will be the featured speaker.
Most people show an interest in learning about health and nutrition; after all who doesn’t want to be healthier? However, in the Western world we are bombarded with a lot of confusing and contradictory information, which has led to a rise in ill health and more medication. This talk will cover the health benefits people experience when they switch to a largely plant-centric diet.
The cost is of the full course meal is 135 pesos (not including tip). Manix is at Ocampo 57 in Ajijic, and has parking available on an adjacent lot.
For menu information and reservations call Arlene, 766-1742 or Sue, 766-0847, 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.. Visitors are welcome.
Open Circle
Mayarí Sandoval Polo will present “Educating My Way Up” at Open Circle on Sunday, October 1, 10:30 a.m. in the garden of the Lake Chapala Society.
An enthusiastic, highly articulate 15-year-old Mexican girl will talk about her ambitions to change her country by educating herself and cultivating her mind.
Sandoval Polo is currently in her junior year at the Instituto Internacional Octavio Paz, a school that shines on a hilltop on the north side of the Libramiento. She will describe what is so special about this school and how it is preparing her to achieve her life goals.
Sandoval Polo was born in Saltillo, Coahuila, and moved to Ajijic when she was two years old. She is captain of her debate team, president of the student council, and a basketball and football enthusiast. She speaks fluent English as well as French, and is an aspirant to Sarah Lawrence College.
For more information, see opencircleajijic.org.
Sing-a-long
Fun with Music, coordinated by Belva Velazquez, will be singing at Mi Casita Nursing Home Wednesday, October 5, 4 p.m.
Mi Casita is located at Gonzalez Gallo 70 in San Antonio Tlayacapan. If you would like to join the group in singing along, call Velazquez at 331-307-0669.
Buddhists
The Heart of Awareness Buddhist Sangha meets weekly on Wednesdays. Noble Silence begins at 3:30 p.m. followed at 4 p.m. by a formal meditation period, dharma teachings and discussion. This week, on October 5, the teaching will be from a Tricycle Retreat titled “Letting Go and Moving Forward.” Part 1 is a talk on “The Elements of Change” with Kevin Griffin.
The First Sunday Long Sit meets October 2, 9 a.m. to noon. Arrive by 8:50 a.m. to prepare for three rounds of 40 minutes sitting and 20 minutes walking meditation. Come for one to three hours.
The Monday, October 3 Dharma movie matinee, “The Great Mother,” about the women of Tibet, will be shown at 3 p.m.
The center is open for hour-long silent meditation periods Monday, from 9 to 10 a.m. and Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon.
A gentle yoga class suitable for all levels of experience is offered at Heart of Awareness on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m.
The Heart of Awareness is a non-sectarian community grounded in the teachings of the Buddha. Prior experience or affiliation is not required. The sangha is at Guadalupe Victoria 101 in Ajijic. For further information, visit heartofawareness.org, or call Janet Reichert at (331) 043-4669.
LCS Spanish classes
The Lake Chapala Society has announced its next round of Introduction to Spanish language classes for members. 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 about our area and Mexican culture.
Classes are held each month starting the first Tuesday of the month and continue for three weeks. Classes start Tuesday, October 4 and will be held at the LCS campus from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Sign up is available at the LCS office during regular office hours or via www.lakechapalasociety.com.
Golf events
Two charity golf tourneys are on soon at the Chapala Country Club in Vista del Lago. The first is on Thursday, October 6, organized by the non-profit Fundacion Cambiando Jalisco, which provides health care programs for impoverished people in vulnerable communities. Entry fee is 1,800 pesos and tickets for the awards banquet are 250 pesos. Registration and ticket sales are available at the club’s pro shop. For more information, call Hector at (331) 065-0725.
The Chapala Cruz Roja annual Golf Classic is slated for Thursday, November 3. Singles, pairs and foursomes are welcome. Entry deadline: Monday, October 31. Entry fee is 1,500 pesos. Dinner only tickets are 300 pesos. Registration is at the Country Club pro shop and dinner tickets can also be purchased at Estetica Yoly’s in Plaza Bugambilias. For more information, call Don at 766-4990.
Canadian Club
The Canadian Club of Lake Chapala will hold its annual Thanksgiving Dinner Monday, October 10 in the garden of La Nueva Posada. Cocktails are at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30. Canadian Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner Stéphane Charbonneau and Vice Consul and Trade Commissioner Mike Obrist will be special guests at the event.
The menu is corn chowder, the traditional Thanksgiving feast and maple flavored pumpkin pie topped with fresh vanilla crème. Tickets (including tax and tip) are 285 pesos. All nationalities are welcome to the club’s events. See www.canadianclubmx.com for more information.
More Thanksgiving
Also holding Canadian Thanksgiving Dinners on Monday, October 10 are American Legion Post 7, Manix, Maria Isabel, and Salvador’s. Roberto’s celebrates a week early on Monday, October 3.
Bowser gets a hand
Two groups are holding good-time fundraisers to benefit local pooches. The Lakeside Spay and Neuter (The Ranch) organization has joined with newly opened Food Lake Container Restaurant and Bar to hold a buffet, with a 50/50 raffle and music, Tuesday, October 11, 5-7 p.m. The cost is 300 pesos and reservations can be made at 766-4738 or (333) 393-5164. Food Lake Container is located at Av. Hidalgo 456 in Riberas del Pilar.
Lucky Dog is holding its annual Purses for Paws event in Villa Nova Tuesday, October 18, 3-6 p.m. New and slightly used purses will be featured in a silent auction, while botanas and a cash bar will be available. Tickets, at 200 pesos, are available at Lakeside Friends of the Animals, Lucky Dog or Mia’s Boutique. Call Cindy, 106-1284, or Leslie, 765-7656, for more information.
Exercise for change
The Mariposa Project is preparing its third annual Exercise for Change fundraiser, in which you exercise virtually to Mexico City, become fit and contribute to your community.
The group’s community service programs include anti-violence education for families, schools and communities, apprentice programs in the areas of textiles and food service and a food/community exchange program. The program runs from November through February.
An orientation meeting will be held at Sky Fitness gym in West Ajijic, Thursday, October 13, 5-6 p.m. For more information or to sign up, see gomariposa.org.
BBQ on the hill
Renowned El Salto Ranger BBQ will offer his smoky pork, delicious chili bean and potato salad at a benefit for La Ola Orphanage’s new construction project. The event will be held on the lovely grounds of Hotel El Perico, Saturday, October 27. Call 387-763-0749 for more information on La Ola and this event.
Charity grant program
The Lakeside Charity Grant has been announced by the Foundation for Lake Chapala Charities. The organization’s grant program host fundraisers and sets aside all proceeds to support community projects or equipment.
The Lakeside Charity Grant’s first fundraiser is a starlit paella at Hotel Montecarlo in Chapala, November 10. For more information on the group contact Margy Kassier, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., tel. 766-4337.