British Society
The Lakeside British Society holds its monthly luncheon Saturday, October 7, 1 p.m. at Manix Restaurant, Ocampo 57 in Ajijic.
Rosemary Grayson will give two extracts from her memoirs: “Here come the judge topless” and “Hold the front page, please no.”
Menu choices begin with a small salad or carrot soup; choice of fish fillet in mushroom sauce, beef casserole, cheese and mushroom crepes or a large salad. Dessert is lemon tart with cream. The cost is 150 pesos plus tip.
Contact Sue Morris at 766-0847 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to confirm your attendance and menu choice.
Open Circle
Tom Nussbaum will give a presentation entitled “The Witty Wise Words of a Silly Serious Man” at the next meeting of Open Circle, held at the Lake Chapala Society Sala, Sunday, October 8, 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Nussbaum claims to be among the world’s silliest serious men. He says he’s seen the list and he’s number 17, and blames his low rating on the gridlock in Washington, D.C. Nussbaum will perform excerpts from his comic scripts, three novels, and a memoir. What members of Ajijic’s Writers Group have discovered when listening to Nussbaum is that he does not simply read. He entertains. His works range from absurd silliness to painfully serious topics. The audience will laugh, think and learn.
In his prior life, Nussbaum was a high school special education assistant. His novels, “The Dark Blue Heart,” “The Boy in the Book” and “Completing the Course,” as well as his memoir “An ‘H’ of a Life,” are available on amazon.com. A native of Seattle, he retired to Ajijic two and a half years ago.
For more information, go to opencircleajjic.org.
Author to speak
Renowned U.S. author and journalist Nomi Prins will speak at an event sponsored by Democrats Abroad Mexico-Lake Chapala Chapter and the Ajijic Book Club Tuesday, October 10, 4 p.m. at La Casa del Musico, La Paz 59 in San Antonio Tlayacapan.
Prins wrote “All the Presidents’ Bankers (The Hidden Alliances that Drive American Power)” in 2014. The book is a groundbreaking narrative of how an elite group of men transformed the U.S. economy and government, dictated foreign and domestic policy, and shaped world history. Culled from original presidential archival documents, “All the Presidents’ Bankers” delivers an explosive account of the 100-year interdependence between the White House and Wall Street that transcends a simple analysis of money driving politics – or greed driving bankers.
Food and beverages will be available. For more information, contact Dee Dee Camhi, 331-295-5795 or John Stokdijk, 331-760-9307.
LCS seminar
Lake Chapala Society members are invited to attend a TED seminar on “Compassion and the True Meaning of Empathy,” by author and Zen priest Joan Halifax, Tuesday, October 10, noon to 1:15 p.m. in the LCS Sala.
Halifax works with people at the last stage of life (in hospice care and on death row). She learned about compassion in the face of death and dying, and a deep insight into the nature of empathy.
LCS Day of the Dead Course
A two-part course held on the Lake Chapala Society’s south campus provides an opportunity to learn about the Day of the Dead, one of Mexico’s most famous customs. Participants will discover the origin and role of the catrina (photo above) and help build a traditional altar. They will also hone their poetic skills and discover a new way to mock death at the expense of their best friends and worst enemies while learning all about the Calavera Literaria. Participants return on the Day of the Dead in full costume to present their new poetic repertoire. There will also be a small contest, with a surprise for the winner. The cost is 300 pesos and course dates are October 31, 2-5 p.m. and November 2, 2-4 p.m. Enrollment ends October 25. Limited to 30 people.
LCS Spanish classes
The Lake Chapala Society begins its next round of Introduction to Spanish-language classes for LCS members, Tuesday, October 10 for three consecutive Tuesdays, noon to 1:30 p.m. 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 the area Mexican culture. November classes begin October 31. The cost is 175 pesos. sign up at the LCS offices or via www.lakechapalasociety.com.
Lakeside Progressives
Rather than the group’s regular meeting on October 10, members are encouraged to attend a presentation by renowned author and journalist Nomi Prins. This event is sponsored by Democrats Abroad Mexico-Lake Chapala Chapter and the Ajijic Book Club. Prins, a daughter of a Lakeside resident, will talk about her book “All the Presidents’ Bankers.”
The Lakeside Progressives is a group of like-minded people looking for progressive solutions to political problems. They usually meet at 4 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Peacock Garden Restaurant on Colon in Ajijic.
The group’s Facebook page is Lakeside Progressives. You can post your comments on 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.. You can also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions.
Tai Chi Chih
Carol Wong will teach Tai Chi Chih, a series of 19 movements and one stance, for all ages and abilities. These movements are slow and circular which can be done either standing or seated. Some benefits are a decrease in pain and stress, improved balance, coordination and motor skills. The classes are for LCS members and conducted at the LCS Gazebo, Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon. Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing. For more information, contact Wong 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..
Enrich yourself
The Lake Chapala Society still has openings for one of the Personal Enrichment Courses:
Judy King gives a course on “Mexico’s Winter Holidays and Traditions,” Mondays, October 30-December 4, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost is 600 pesos.
Understand the diverse and fascinating traditions surrounding Mexico’s winter holiday season. Learn the informal name for the period between December 12 and January 6, the meaning of the Aztec name for poinsettias, and much more.
Sign up before October 25 at the LCS office. For more information, see www.lakechapalasociety.com.
Folk Dancing
The new English Country Folk Dance group will meet the third Sunday of each month beginning October 15, 2:45-5 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Hidalgo 261 in Riberas del Pilar. English country dance is like the dancing seen in movies from the 1700s and 1800s – such as in the Jane Austen or Masterpiece Theatre productions. The dancing is done to a walking step and all dances are taught first, then they called. No experience is necessary and no partners are needed. Contact Catherine or Eric Luria at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (376) 766-6119 for further information.
Health Day
The Lake Chapala Society has scheduled its annual Health Day for Friday, October 20, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Neill James Patio.
A three-strain flu vaccine is available lakeside in mid-September, but a more inclusive four-strain vaccine (Fluzone Tetraionte) is recommended and is not available in Mexico until mid-October. LCS will offer this four-strain flu vaccine. Other immunizations to be offered are pneumonia, shingles, and hepatitis.
In addition to shots, Health Day will include blood pressure checks, diabetes screening, hearing and optometrist services, and a possible CPR course. More details to follow.
Shopping in Texas
The Lake Chapala Society is sponsoring a Texas Shopping Extravaganza departing November 5 and returning November 8. The trip includes two full days of shopping in McAllen and three nights at the Hampton Inn, including breakfast and internet. Cost to members is $US499, non-members $US549. Final sign-up day is October 22. A non-refundable deposit of $US125 is required.
Behind the Walls
Tickets for the much talked-about “Behind the Walls” home tours fundraisers to benefit The School for Special Children are now available at Diane Pearl, Charter Club Tours or at the Ajijic Pier on the day of the tour (if not sold out).
Tour dates are November 16, December 14, January 25, February 22, March 22 and April 12. The cost is 200 pesos for regular tours and 400 pesos for the Christmas Tour and Holiday Festival. A 200-peso discount is offered if you purchase all the tours.
For more information, call Jessie at (376) 766-1438, Mary at (376) 766-6129 or Kath at (376) 766-0420.
Ping Pong
A local tennis table club is actively recruiting new members. The group meets at the Chula Vista Country Club every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 2:15 to 4:30 p.m. The level of play ranges from beginner to fast-paced intermediate, with accommodation and free coaching for one and all. Players rotate for singles and doubles games on two top quality tables.
Scientists are discovering mounting evidence that routine play of the game purists call table tennis is a great way to keep the body in shape and fortify the aging brain.
A modest monthly fee is charged to cover use of the facilities and equipment. Drop in at the Chula Vista club house for further details.
Buddhists
The Heart of Awareness Insight Meditation Community offers opportunities for silent meditation several times each week. The regular meditation and teaching session is on Wednesdays when the center opens at 3:30 p.m. and the formal meditation period begins at 4 p.m. October 11, the meditation period will be followed by a video teaching by Tara Brach from her series titled “Relaxing the Over Controller.” Her focus this week will be on recognizing and relating to the over-controlling self, rather than from it. The teaching video is followed by a brief discussion period.
There are three additional hour-long silent meditation opportunities each week: Sundays and Mondays, 9-10 a.m. and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to noon.
On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, from 9-11 a.m., Latika Pierrette Claude offers a gentle and spiritual yoga practice at the Center. A 50-peso donation for the class supports the community.
The Heart of Awareness is grounded in the teachings of the Buddha. Prior experience or affiliation is not required. The center is located at Guadalupe Victoria 101 in Ajijic. For further information, visit www.heartofawareness.org, or call Janet Reichert, 331-043-4669.