Open Circle
Ad Líbitum Compañía de Ópera de Guadalajara will present “Opera As You Like It” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, February 25, 10:30 a.m. on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society.
Opera Ad Líbitum is one of Open Circle’s annual favorites. This year’s program will pay tribute to the classical opera repertoire, as well as Mexican music. The singers are María de Jesús Cárdenas (soprano), Teresa Banderas (mezzosoprano), José Maria López Valencia (tenor), and Ricardo Lavín (baritone). These vocalists have received multiple awards and established a name for themselves nationally and internationally. They will be accompanied by an ensemble of musicians: Juan Pablo García (piano), Monserat Velázquez (bassoon), José Luis García (violin) and Juan Fernando Magdaleno (violin).
For more information on Open Circle, see opencircle ajijic.org.
Jewish Film Fest
The Ajijic Jewish Film Festival finishes up its ninth year at Cine del Lago with the screening of “To Be or Not To Be,” Sunday February 25, 1:30 p.m.
Staring Jack Benny and Carole Lombard (in her final screen appearance) as husband and wife thespians in Nazi-occupied Warsaw, who become caught up in a dangerous spy plot. This is a Hollywood film of the boldest black humor, which went into production soon after the United States entered World War II.
Genealogy Forum
The Genealogy Forum will meet Monday, February 26, 1 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Riberas del Pilar. The church is located diagonally across the Carretera from Mom´s Deli.
This month questions about the standard genealogical file will be answered: how to produce it satisfactorily, what it can be used for, and of what benefit it is to those who are interested in family history. One focus will be on the sharing of data online, or exchanging information with other genealogists. Another will be changing your personal computer software and converting your current data without loss.
The Forum is open to all; there are no dues. Everyone, whether an old hand or new to genealogy, is welcome to come. The Family History Center is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon, and again right after the monthly meeting. For more information, call Fran Murphy, (378) 766-0067.
Toastmasters
The speech contest for the Lago de Chapala Toastmaster’s Club has been rescheduled for Monday, February 26. Local club members will compete and the winner and runner-up will go on to compete against other clubs in Guadalajara. Members of this club have gone on to win at the national level in Mexico. The Lago de Chapala Club of Toastmasters meets every Monday at the Lake Chapala Society from 7-8:30 p.m. Toastmaster is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills. The Lago de Chapala chapter is a bilingual club that rotates meetings in English and Spanish. To attend, enter the LCS grounds via the entrance on Ramón Corona closest to the lake.
Expat Info Fair
The United States Consulate General in Guadalajara teams up with the Canadian Consulate and Mexican authorities at the Lake Chapala Society for an Expat Info Fair, Tuesday, February 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Consulate officials sections of the consulate, including American Citizen Services, a Voting Program representative, Non-Immigrant Visas, Federal Benefits Unit, Regional Security Office, Public Affairs Section and Foreign Commercial Services will be available to answer questions about the services they provide.
Also, a Canadian Consulate representative will be present as well as Mexican authorities from the Instituto Nacional de Migración, the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT), the Chapala Municipal Police, the Jalisco Transit Police and the Instituto Nacional de las Personas Adultas Mayores (INAPAM).
The American Legion, the Canadian Club and the Canadian Legion will also provide information on their organizations.
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LCS TED talks
Science journalist Helen Pearson will speak on “Lessons from the Longest Study in Human Development,” Tuesday, February 27, noon to 1:15 p.m. at the LCS Sala. The talk is hosted by Clive Overton.
For the past 70 years, scientists in Great Britain have been studying thousands of children through their lives to find out why some end up happy and healthy while others struggle. The longest-running study of human development in the world has produced some of the best-studied people on the planet while changing the way we live, learn and parent. Reviewing this remarkable research, Pearson shares some important findings and simple truths about life and good parenting. This event is for LCS members only.
Neill James Lecture
Karl Homann presents “The EU, Brexit and Other Challenges” at the next Neill James lecture, Tuesday, February 27, 2-3:30 p.m. in the Sala of the Lake Chapala Society.
Against many odds, the European Union has succeeded in being today’s greatest underwriter of democracy and peaceful coexistence. A lasting peace among its neighbor states was the primary purpose for the creation of a United Europe, not economic prosperity. Based on the common foundation of a commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, respect for human dignity, and rapid economic development, the EU flourishes despite its challenges.
Homann majored in linguistics and English literature at the universities of Munich, Germany, and Alberta, Canada. His interest in the European Union is rooted in his birth in Germany during World War II. His last visit to the European Union took place in May and June 2017.This event is for LCS members only.
Tarahumara Spirituality
You are invited to visual presentation by KarunaYes tour company at the Real de Chapala Hotel on Wednesday, February 28, 11 a.m. Inspired by her frequent tours to Copper Canyon and her deep interest in matters of the spirit, Karuna presents a rich insight into the beliefs and customs of ancestral and contemporary Tarahumara.
RSVP: 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.. Special booking incentives will be offered for those attendees who sign up for the “Experience the Tarahumara Soul” tour (April 11-19) at this event.
Jaltepec and Rotary Clubs
Linda Buckthorp will give a presentation on the Centro Educativo Jaltepec (Women’s Hospitality and Hotel School) at the breakfast meeting of the Sunrise Rotary Club Thursday, March 1, starting at 9.30 a.m.
Buckthorp will repeat the presentation Tuesday, March 6 to the Rotary Club of Ajijic at Hotel Real de Chapala for that organization’s luncheon meeting, starting at 1 p.m.
Lakeside Singles
Join area singles and couples at the next Lakeside Singles mixer, Thursday, March 1, 4-6 p.m. at CosinArt. For more information and to reserve, 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..
LCS bus trip
The Lake Chapala Society will go to Costco, Mega and Home Depot on Avenida Lopez Mateos in Guadalajara, Thursday, March 1. Tickets, 370 pesos for members and 470 pesos for non-members, are on sale at the LCS service through Saturday, February 24. The bus departs 9:30 a.m. from the sculpture in La Floresta.
British Society
The Lakeside British Society holds its monthly luncheon Saturday, March 3, 1 p.m. at Manix Restaurant, Ocampo 57 in Ajijic.
Dr. Santiago Hernandez Martinez will speak about the new hospital being built at lakeside. He has been involved from the start both in the planning and the raising of funds for this vital addition to our community.
Menu choices begin with a small salad or green soup; choice of meatloaf with scalloped potatoes, seafood pasta, Cobb salad with blue cheese dressing or a large salad with protein. Dessert is chocolate mousse. The cost is 150 pesos plus tip.
Contact Sue Morris at (376) 766-0847 or e-mail Sue Sterlini at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to confirm your attendance and menu choice.
LCS Spanish
The Lake Chapala Society (LCS) offers two types of Spanish classes: a casual class of beginners’ Spanish to members that covers the alphabet, simple vocabulary and phrases to use about town for shopping, and other useful information about Lakeside and Mexican culture.
Classes are held each month starting the first Tuesday of the month and continue for three weeks, starting March 6, noon-1:30 p.m., and 2-3 p.m.
The other classes use the Warren Hardy Spanish Language course, designed for the adult student, with several levels of instruction.
Classes meet two days a week for 90 minutes beginning Monday March 5 and running through April 30.
For more information, see the program manager February 26-March 2, 10:30 to 1:30 p.m. at LCS on the blue umbrella patio.
Sign up for both classes at the LCS office during regular office hours, Monday through Saturday. Or via www.lakechapalasociety.com. Telephone (376) 766-1140.
Rib Fest
The Shriners 12th annual Rib Fest is almost sold out. Only a limited number of tickets are still available. The event is Wednesday, March 7, 1 p.m., at Cumbres Events Garden on the top of Chula Vista Norte, with fantastic views of the lake. The Ajijic Jam Band will entertain while you enjoy Adelita’s famous ribs and chicken with full table service. Added attractions include door prizes, a 50/50 cash raffle and attractive items up for bid in the silent auction.
Proceeds from the Ribfest will be used to provide physical examinations to disabled Lakeside children under age 18 who may qualify for specialized care locally, or transportation to the Mexico City Shrine Hospital for more advanced treatment.
Obtain tickets, 500 pesos, from David, 331-017-1724.
Jaltepec event
Funky Finns Bar and Grill in San Antonio Tlayacapan will host a Lakeside International Women’s Day Fundraiser for the benefit the Centro Educativo Jaltepec (the Women’s Hospitality and Hotel School) March 8. The event starts at 4 p.m. with a no-host bar, then dinner at 5 p.m., followed by a short presentation about Jaltepec by Linda Buckthorp at 6 p.m. Dancing music will commence immediately following with music by the Yanin Live World Music Trio and DJ Walt.
Tickets, 300 pesos, are available at Diane Pearl, Mia’s Boutique and Funky Finns.
Writers confab
The 2018 Lake Chapala Writers Conference is scheduled March 7, 8 and 9 in the auditorium inside El Jardin Restaurant at the Ajijic Plaza. The program is designed for beginning and experienced wordsmiths, offering opportunities to sharpen skills and gain inspiration through exchange with knowledgeable guest speakers versed in following successful pathways from the blank page to publication.
Renowned talent at the event include journalist, author and teacher Jennifer Wilson (“Running Away to Home”); writer, editor and teacher Samantha Waltz; novelist Roberta Rich, Toronto literary agent Beverly Slopen and memoir marketer Pat Chase.
Sign up by Tuesday, February 27, to qualify for the 2,000-peso early bird registration fee, which rises to 2,500 pesos after that date. The cost includes entry to the Wednesday evening meet-and-greet reception (with cash bar), in addition to the nine work sessions slated for Thursday and Friday, including coffee breaks, lunch and a wrap-up party.
Registration forms for the conference are available at Diane Pearl in Ajijic, or by request to Victoria Schmidt, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and Herbert Piekow, 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..
Buddhists
The Heart of Awareness Insight Meditation Community offers several opportunities each week for silent mediation. All sessions are open to the public and chairs and cushions are provided. One-hour meditation periods are offered Sunday and Monday at 9 a.m. Wednesday, February 28, the regular 45-minute meditation period which begins at 4 p.m. will be followed by a video presentation from the series titled “Moving beyond the Mirage: Practicing with Buddhism’s Five Aggregates.” In this talk, Pascal Auclair will discuss the aggregates of “mental formation” – how we make sense of our experience – and “consciousness,” or what it is that reveals the other four aggregates (form, feeling tone, perception and mental formation).
The meditation center is located at Guadalupe Victoria 101 in Ajijic. For more information, see heartofawareness.org.