Open Circle
Kenneth Hunt presents “The Dimensions of the Universe and You“ at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, October 28, 10:30 a.m., on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
The real miracle of the existence of the universe is that the whole manifestation – everything that is knowable – emerges from inherent properties of the very stuff of which it all consists. It might be helpful for us to have a sharpened sense of where we stand in the scale of things that have emerged from the turmoil of the big bang. Before we can do that, however, we need to increase our understanding of millions, billions and trillions and their relative sizes. Hunt will explore several ways to appreciate relationships among big numbers and then will explore the dimensions of the universe.
Hunt is a science nerd. He has been reading and thinking about stuff like this for a long time and has learned a lot. He wants to interest you in it too.
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
De-Feet fundraiser
Joggers and walkers will stretch their legs to support breast cancer survivors at the second annual five-kilometer Catrina Run Sunday, October 28. Starting 8 a.m. from the Ajijic plaza, the trekkers will follow Calle Colón to the waterfront Malecón, turn up to the highway heading towards the local cemetery and double back to the finish line at the plaza. Each participant will receive a commemorative T-shirt, a runner’s medal and hydration drink. The top three racers in women’s, men’s and junior divisions win cash prizes. Sign up for a 300-peso donation at Chapala Med, (Plaza Interlago), Diane Pearl or Tepehua Treasures (Riberas del Pilar).
The event is organized under the auspices of the Ajijic Rotary Club and Chapala’s Comude Sports Commission, with proceeds going towards therapy for patients channeled to public medical facilities through Guadalajara’s Fundación Salvati.
Genealogy Forum
The Genealogy Forum will meet Monday, October 29, 1-3 p.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Riberas del Pilar.
This month’s forum will be of special interest to historians and U.S. midterm electors as well as genealogists. Ros Ewer will be presenting highlights of a book by historian and award-winning journalist Colin Woodard, who argues that North America is made up of 11 nations, each with its own unique historical roots dating back centuries. From the Deep South to the Far West, Yankeedom to El Norte, each region continues to uphold its distinguishing ideals today, with results that can be seen in the composition of the U.S. Congress or on the county-by-county election maps of presidential elections. Engrossing and endlessly fascinating, American Nations takes readers on a journey through the history of a fractured country, offering a revolutionary and revelatory take on the United States’ myriad identities, and how the conflicts between them have shaped the past and are molding the future.
The Genealogy Forum is open to all. There are no dues. Join us whether you are an old hand or new to genealogy. And do not forget the Family History Center. It is open Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon, and again right after the monthly meeting. The church is located diagonally across the Carretera from Mom’s Deli.
LCS Spanish
Spanish classes using the Warren Hardy Spanish-language course begin Monday, October 29, and are given two days per week in 1 1/2-hour sessions for seven weeks at the Wilkes Education Center in Ajijic. Several levels of instruction are available.
Introduction to Spanish classes for LCS members are held each month starting the first Tuesday and continuing for three weeks. Classes begin November 6 at the LCS campus, noon to 1:30 p.m. This is a casual class that covers the Spanish alphabet, simple vocabulary and phrases for shopping, Mexican culture and the lakeside area.
Sign up for either class at the LCS office or at lakechapalasociety.com.
Lake Chapala Birders
Monday October 29, the Lake Chapala Birders will meet at 8 a.m. to walk the Allen Lloyd Trail, which follows a mile-long arroyo with lots of underbrush in which birds love to hide. Expect to see stripe-headed sparrow, greater Pewee and groove-billed Ani. At 10:15 a.m. the group will head to Cafe Negro for breakfast. To get to the trail, drive up the Libramiento a half mile from the traffic light at Walmart and park on the north side of the road, across from the El Dorado Condominium tower. Information: John Keeling, 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 TED Talks
Writer Kathryn Schultz will discuss “On Being Wrong” at the next TED Talk, Tuesday, October 30, noon to 1:15 p.m., at the Lake Chapala Society Sala. LCS members only.
Most of us will do anything to avoid being wrong. But what if we’re wrong about that? “Wrongologist” Schulz makes a compelling case for not just admitting but embracing our fallibility.
Halloween fun
Various restaurants and bars are preparing to welcome in the ghoul among us, Wednesday, October 31.
The Spotlight Club is hosting a Halloween Costume Party serenaded by the Ol’ Country Boys, 8 p.m.
Perry’s Pizza is holding a costume party from 5:30-9:30 p.m. with all-you-can-eat pizza, spaghetti, clam chowder and chili for 250 pesos. The best costume wins a 32-inch TV.
El Bar-Co offers prizes for the best three costumes. Blue Jay Slim and The Blues Machine begin at 8 p.m.
La Bodega Ajijic will also have a best costume award at its open mic night, beginning 5 p.m.
The Iron Horse in Riberas del Pilar will hold it’s Halloween party Saturday, October 28, with a costume contest and the covers band Luca playing 9:30 p.m.
British luncheon
The Lakeside British and Commonwealth Society holds its monthly luncheon Saturday, November 3, 12:45 p.m. at Manix Restaurant, Ocampo 57 in Ajijic.
The speaker will be Hector España Ramos, the Chapala government’s newly-appointed community liaison. He’s also well-known as the owner of Manix.
Menu choices begin with a small salad or cream of broccoli soup; choice of liver and onions, cauliflower with cheese sauce, fish and chips or a large salad with protein. Dessert is raspberries and ice cream. The cost is 150 pesos plus tip.
Contact Sue at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Arleen Foster at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to confirm your attendance and menu choice.
Focus on Mexico
Lake Chapala Society members can take advantage of various courses in November.
Mexico’s Winter Holidays and Traditions, a course taught by Judy King, runs Wednesdays, November 7 to December 19, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Ana Moreno will teach two courses: Mexican Chiles and Salsas Tuesday, November 6, 1-4 p.m., and Making Corn Tortillas and Other Dishes Mexicans Enjoy and Share with the World Tuesday, November 20, 1-4:30 p.m.
Alfredo Perez will teach a course on Mexican Manners, Friday, November 16, noon to 2 p.m.
Enroll for any of these courses at the LCS office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fundraiser for Ranch Dogs
Adelita Bar & Grill is holding a fundraiser for the dogs at The Ranch, Wednesday, November 7, 5 p.m. 100-peso cover. Auction, live music and special prices on certain menu items. Bring a donation of a towel and/or collar. Reservations/information: (376) 766-0097 or 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..
Semper Fidelis
The U.S. Marine Corps celebrates its 243rd birthday, Saturday, November 10, at La Nueva Posada, Donato Guerra 9, Ajijic.
The event begins with a happy hour, cocktails and stories at 1 p.m. with lunch and cake at 2 p.m. The cost for a “composed plate” (variety of different foods) and cake is 280 pesos. Dress is smart casual.
Information: Richard Nast, (376)766-5243. RSVP by November 5, to Annie Green-Nast, (376)766-5243, 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..
Veterans Day
American Legion Post 7 Chapala will celebrate this special day, Sunday, November 11, with a ceremony at 10:55 a.m. at the Post. A social hour begins at 1 p.m. and a dinner, 250 pesos, will be served at 2 p.m. Music is by The Crooners.
Royal Canadian Legion
The Lake Chapala Branch 182 of the Royal Canadian Legion invites all to a Remembrance Day ceremony commemorating 100 years since the end of World War I (1918-2018 Centennial Celebration), Sunday, November 11.
The event will be held on the property of the Hermanas Benedictinas de la Adoracion Perpetua del Santisimo Sacramento, Calle Jesus Garcia Norte, across from Panino Deli in San Antonio Tlayacapan, 300 meters north on the right, next to the football field. Guests should be seated by 10:30 a.m. A post-service luncheon and refreshments will be served.
Fashion show
Programa Pro Niños Incapacitados del Lago will hold a fashion show and luncheon Wednesday, November 14, noon to 4 p.m., at the Hotel Real de Chapala. The latest fashions by Lynn Gilbank, Cugini’s Boutique and Barbara Milagros will be shown in a promenade on the catwalk.
For tickets, 350 pesos, contact Jan Manning, (376) 766-5278 or 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..
Christmas FOR Jaltepec
Due to the demolition and reconstruction of the Centro Educativo Jaltepec hospitality and hotel school, this year’s Christmas FOR Jaltepec will be held at La Bodega in Ajijic.
The dinner event Thursday, November 29, will start at 6 p.m. Donation of 650 pesos per person. The luncheon starts at noon Friday, November 30. Donation of 550 pesos per person.
Well-known DJ Walt will play Christmas music during cocktails. Hors d’oeuvres will be prepared and served by the students, as well as a three-course roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings. And for those who wish, there will be dancing afterwards. Information: Linda Buckthorp, (376) 766-1631, 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..
Insight Meditation
The Heart of Awareness Insight Meditation Community offers multiple opportunities each week for silent meditation: Sundays, 9 a.m., Wednesdays, 4 p.m., and Thursdays, 11 a.m. All sessions are open to the public regardless of experience or affiliation. Chairs and cushions are provided, as well as brief written instructions on meditation for beginners.
Wednesday, October 31, the meditation period will be followed by another reading from essays by dharma teacher Peter Doobinin, this one titled “Reclaiming Our Agency.”
A yoga class is offered Thursdays from 9-10:45 a.m.
The meditation center is at Guadalupe Victoria 101, Ajijic. Information: heartofawareness.org.
Lady heads home
Ajijic wraps up a full month of devotions honoring La Virgen del Rosario, Wednesday, October 31. A spectacular procession departs from the back side of the San Andres parish around 5 p.m., as ritual dancers outfitted in exotic Indian costumes, scenic floats, marching musicians and pilgrims accompany the cherished icon on a farewell spin around the village. The parade follows Guadalupe Victoria, Constitucion-Ocampo and Hidalgo before ending at the church atrium for celebration of Mass. After the service the statue will be carried back to her home chapel. Festivities continue throughout the evening at the plaza, capped off between 10 and 11 p.m. with a towering Castillo fireworks display.