Open Circle
The Rev. Don Beaudreault presents “When the Saints Go Marching In” at Open Circle on Sunday, October 23, 10:30 a.m. in the garden of the Lake Chapala Society.
Recently retired for the second time, Beaudreault served Unitarian Universalist congregations for 37 years and before that was an English teacher. Along the way, he has been a professional jazz pianist, starting at the age of 17. He has lived in or traveled to 60 countries. One of the places where he served a church was New Orleans. Beaudreault will share the ambience of that remarkable place through poetry and song. This will be a creative celebration of the human spirit, so come ready to not just be entertained but also inspired. He and his partner now live with their seven dogs and two cats at Lakeside.
For more information, see opencircleajijic.org.
Ajijic Book Club
The Ajijic Book Club (ABC) will meet at La Nueva Posada on Tuesday, October 25, 4 p.m. The club focuses exclusively on nonfiction books and promotes civil discussion amongst its members even when ideas conflict. ABC provides both online and in-person opportunities for participation by members. Everyone with interest is welcome.
The focus of the October meeting will be “The Dream is Over, the Nightmare Begins” by Gudrun Z. Jones, a past and perhaps current Lakeside resident. A review of the book is available on the ABC website. ABC would like to connect with this author and requests that anyone with information contact ABC 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..
More information about ABC is available on the website at computerguyajijic.com/abc/FAQ.pdf.
Support groups
Professional counselor Valerie Rhoda sponsors several free support groups.
The Women’s Cancer & Life Threatening Disease Support Group meets the second and fourth Monday of each month, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The group is open to people in treatment and recent survivors and offers comfort and information from people who really understand what you’re experiencing.
Being a caregiver can be an overwhelming responsibility. Managing all the day-to-day chores and caring for the ill person gives little time to meet your own needs. The Caregiver Support Group serves to help relieve some of the stress, provide ways of coping and taking care of yourself. This group meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Grief Support Group is for people who have lost a life partner, a parent or child. The group focuses on the roller coaster of emotions experienced and ways to positively harness those emotions towards creating a new life. This group meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
The Separated/Divorce Support Group has formed to assist in the process of reclaiming oneself. Meetings are on the second and fourth Fridays of the month from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
For more information on any of the groups, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 766-4522.
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 27, the teaching will be from a Tricycle Retreat titled “Letting Go and Moving Forward.” Part 4 is a talk on “Sustaining” with Kevin Griffin.
The center is open for hour-long silent meditation periods Sunday and Monday, from 9 to 10 a.m. and Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon.
A 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 sangha is at Guadalupe Victoria 101 in Ajijic. For further information, visit heartofawareness.org, or call Janet Reichert at (331) 043-4669.
BBQ on the hill
Renowned El Salto Ranger BBQ will offer smoky brisket, delicious chili bean and potato salad at a benefit for La Ola Orphanage’s new construction project.
The event is to help these girls get into their new digs before Christmas and will be held on the extensive grounds of Hotel El Perico, Thursday, October 27, noon-4 p.m. Music will be by Tommy Arnold and the Tomcats. Tickets are 400 pesos. Call (387) 763-0749 for more information on La Ola and this event.
Tuck in for Red Cross
Carlos Pantoja will open the doors of El BarCo Restaurant for two evenings of fine dining to raise funds for Cruz Roja Chapala and introduce new chef Tristan Trobaugh. The back-to-back benefit dinners, co-hosted by Super Lake’s Pancho Montes, are scheduled for Thursday, October 27 and Friday, October 28, 6 p.m.
The four-course menu includes a starter of roasted red pepper crostini with mozzarella and fresh basil; green salad with raspberry vinaigrette; a main dish choice of grilled bone-in pork chop, parmesan-crusted chicken breast or pasta pomodoro with roasted cauliflower; and pumpkin pie with fresh whipped cream for dessert.
El BarCo is located on the highway, just west of the Ajijic Pemex station. For reservations call 766-0452, (331) 485-9048 or (333) 496-1117.
Zombie thriller
The Zombie horde is working hard to perfect their dance moves for the “Thrill the World happening beginning at the Ajijic Plaza Saturday, October 29, 5 p.m. The zombies then parade down Hidalgo to Seis Esquinas (Six Corners) where they will dance “Thriller” again on that plaza before returning to the Ajijic Plaza at 6 p.m. where they will join families, friends and neighbors in celebration. A buffet dinner prepared by Manix consisting of BBQ pork ribs, grilled chicken and chorizo, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, garden salad will be served on the plaza on tables including linens and fresh flowers. A cash bar will be available. Ricardo and Blanca will provide music from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are 300 pesos, of which 50 pesos will go to Cruz Roja. The tickets are available at Diane Pearl’s, Mia’s Boutique, Jose Melendrez on the Ajijic Plaza as well as at the zombie rehearsals Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Club Exotica.
This event is a life support program for Cruz Roja Chapala. The 100 local zombies who will rise from the dead are seeking sponsors join their cause. Proceeds from this year’s event will replace the clinic’s worn-out tile flooring. Any excess will go toward the purchase of a new refrigerator for vaccines and other meds that require cooling. For information or to participate, contact Val Jones or Dee Grant 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..
Singing circle
A song circle & potluck will be held at the home of Catherine and Eric Luria, Sunday, October 30, 3:30 p.m. The group will choose from a list of popular, well-known songs in “Rise Up Singing” – mostly songs of the 1960s – and sing for about an hour and half, then enjoy the potluck. Each person chooses a song from the list, or may pass. To get the address, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 766-6119.
Graveyard tours
If you’re curious about the customs associated with Mexico’s Day of the Dead observances, bilingual guide Viviane Michel will fill you in during walkabouts through the Ajijic cemetery scheduled Wednesday, November 2. Her presentation is modeled after the famed Dia de Muertos celebration in Patzcuaro, Michoacan.
Tours start from the Panteón entrance on the highway at 3:30 and 5 p.m. A donation of 100 pesos per person paid at the gate goes into a fund to purchase boxes of pantry supplies that will be distributed to families of Chapala police officers at Christmas, coordinated by Harry Bublin. For more information, call 766-4282.
Golf Classic
The 13th Annual Cruz Roja Golf Classic will be held at the Country Club de Chapala Thursday, November 3.
All of the proceeds from this long-running event will stay in Chapala and be used for the refurbishment of the Red Cross ambulances.
Only a few places remaining for golfers. Singles, pairs and foursomes are welcome. Entry deadline: Monday, October 31.
Not a golfer? Then show your support and join in the almost-famous Country Club barbeque after play. Entries for the tournament (1,500 pesos) and dinner-only tickets (300 pesos) may be purchased at the pro shop or Estetica Yoly’s in Plaza Bugambilias. For more information, call Don at 766-4990.
Marine Corps bash
The 241st birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps will be celebrated Thursday, November 10 at La Nueva Posada (Donato Guerra 9, Ajijic).
The event begins at 1 p.m. with cocktails and stories. Lunch and cake is served from 2 p.m. The cost of 210 pesos includes salad, bolillo bread, a “combined plate” featuring different foods, dessert and tip. Beverages are not included. Dress is smart casual.
R.S.V.P no later than Tuesday, November 1. Email Annie Green-Nast at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call (376) 766-5243.