Open Circle
Carlos Martínez Escalona will give a presentation entitled “Does Education Need a Revolution?” at the next meeting of Open Circle, held at the Lake Chapala Society Sala, Sunday, October 15, 10:30 a.m. to noon.
With the advent of the Internet and communications technologies, the new generations approach learning their own way. Traditional methods and systems have already become obsolete and create a state of boredom in our students. There’s a movement that’s catching enormous momentum in countries like Sweden, Finland, Spain and in South America. Its core idea revolves around the natural and spontaneous way we learn: curiosity. And it builds up from there. The result is a revolutionary open-source method that is changing education forever.
Martínez Escalona is Professor of Philosophy and Physics at the Panamerican University, Guadalajara, with degrees in Philosophy, Engineering, Education and Journalism. He is a syndicated columnist, a photographer, and speleologist (one who studies caves), and co-founder of CRYO.B, a cryogenic system to control chronic pain. He is co-founder of six schools in Mexico. For more information, go to opencircleajjic.org.
LCS seminar
Lake Chapala Society members are invited to attend a TED seminar on “Reconnecting with Compassion,” by journalist Krista Tippett, Tuesday, October 17, noon to 1:15 p.m. in the LCS Sala.
Tippett de-constructs the meaning of compassion through several moving stories, and proposes a new, more attainable definition for the word.
Lakeside Freethinkers
A discussion of confirmation bias and Morton’s demon will be the theme at the next meeting of the Lakeside Freethinkers Wednesday, October 18. The group meets at La Nueva Posada restaurant on the third Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. Dinner and additional discussion usually follow.
The Lakeside Freethinkers define a “freethinker” as a person who is an atheist, agnostic, secular humanist, or skeptic. They believe that individuals should not accept ideas proposed as truth without recourse to knowledge and reason. They reject belief in the supernatural and rely on science and reason to guide their lives. If you would like to attend, or just obtain additional information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Country dancing
The Ajijic Scottish Country dancers begin classes Thursday, October 19, 11:30 a.m. at the Lake Chapala Society Gazebo. No partners are required and the season begins with easy dances to welcome anyone who would like to try it. For information, contact Phyl Gaskell, 766-2722.
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 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 are 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 more 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.
Lakeside Singles
Here is your chance to get a jump on Halloween and Day of the Dead. The Lakeside Singles will hold their next event at Just Chillin’ Bar & Restaurant, Wednesday, October 25, 4- 6 p.m.
Just Chillin’ is located at Constitucion 32 in Ajijic. A two-for-one drink special will be offered on national liquor, beer and wine. There will be no band prior to 6 p.m. If you are planning on attending, 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..
Breast cancer run/walk
The Rotary Club of Ajijic is holding a first annual “De-Feet” Breast Cancer Catrina 5K run-jog-walk fundraiser Sunday, October 29, 8-10 a.m. at the Ajijic Plaza. Proceeds will go to Fundacion Salvanti Guadalajara A.C. and the run is in honor of Hilda Hernandez.
The Ajijic Rotary Club is looking for sponsorships and donations. A variety of sponsor levels are open with promotional recognition on T-shirts, the start/finish line and literature for the event. No donation is too small.
Registration fee is 250 pesos, and is available at Chapala Med at Plaza Interlago, Tepehua Treasures, Carretera 98 in Riberas del Pilar and Comude Chapala, Avenida Madero 507, near the soccer field in Chapala. For more information on how to become a sponsor, contact Ron Howardson, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Gary Pidcock, 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..
Day of 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 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.
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.
Buddhists
Monday, October 16, The Heart of Awareness Community screens its monthly movie offering at 3 p.m. “The Black Hen” is a gentle, humane and beautifully photographed movie from Nepalese director Min Bahadur Bham. The Wednesday, October 18, 4 p.m. meditation will be followed with a video teaching by Tara Brach from her series titled “Relaxing the Over Controller.” Her focus this week will be on “waking up from the dream.”
The Heart of Awareness is grounded in the teachings of the Buddha. The center is located at Guadalupe Victoria 101 in Ajijic.
For further information, visit www.heartofawareness.org, or call Janet Reichert, 331-043-4669.