Open Circle
David Byren will present “The Half-Opened Door” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, January 6, 10:30 a.m., on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
The deepening conflicts and chaos that are dividing our culture may not be signals of impending catastrophe, but signs of an approaching paradigm shift. Humans have always lived in the tension between the stability of the known and the evolutionary demands of human consciousness. It takes time for individuals and cultures to accommodate the influx of ideas that drive us forward. Emily Dickinson said, “The truth dazzles gradually, or else the world would be blind.” How shall we decide whether to open or close the door when we are pulled to preserve and to advance? Byren will present a model of how to live with the unavoidable paradoxes that arise when change and traditional values collide.
Byren was a psychotherapist and motorcycle safety instructor before retiring to Ajijic nine years ago. He is a motorcyclist, woodworker, poet, writer, and Open Circle’s coordinator. He promises to make us think.
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
Three Kings Day
While you may be done with Christmas and New Year’s hoopla, Mexican children anxiously await the January 6 celebration of Dia de Reyes (Three Kings Day).
The Feast of Epiphany in Anglo parlance commemorates the revelation of the Messiah, represented by the Bible tale of Three Wise Men who followed the star to Bethlehem bearing treasures for the Christ Child. Little nippers here believe that Los Reyes Magos (Magi) reappear each year to bring them toys and treats.
Though the mysterious visitors often show up at Lakeside, their itinerary was uncertain at press time. For sure kids in Ajijic will gravitate to the plaza on Saturday, 6 p.m., to bust up goody-filled piñatas and gobble down crowned-shaped breads called Rosca de Reyes. Spectators are welcome to join the fun.
TED Talks
Lawrence Lessig presents “How the Net destroyed democracy” at the next TED Talk, Tuesday, January 8, noon to 1:30 p.m.
Lessig is an U.S. academic, attorney, political activist and the Roy L. Furman Professor of Law and Leadership at Harvard Law School. A candidate for the Democratic Party’s nomination for president of the United States in the 2016 election, he withdrew before the primaries.
Lessig has many passions. He transformed intellectual property law with his Creative Commons innovation. In his book “Republic, Lost,” he details how money came to corrupt the U.S. government – and how citizens can regain control.
For LCS members only.
LCS courses on Mexico
The Lake Chapala Society offers its members a variety of courses in January to learn about the history and flavors of Mexico. Sign up at the LCS office.
A course on Dia de Reyes (Three King’s Day) is Monday, January 7, 10 a.m. to noon; Mexico Hot Cocktails and how they are made is Tuesday, January 8, 2 to 4 p.m.; Coming Home, with Judy King, runs from January 9 to February 13, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Children of Corn is January 9 to 24, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.; Understanding Mexican Law with Maria de las Nieves Sobles is January 11 to February 8, Fridays, 1 to 2:30 p.m.; Mexican Winter Fruits, January 18, 10 a.m. to noon; Mexican Chilis and Salsas with Ana Moreno, January 22, 1 to 3 p.m. Alfredo Perez introduces you to Mexican Manners, January 24, 10 a.m. to noon.
Spanish at LCS
Sign up now for the seven-week Warren Hardy Spanish classes January 7 to February 25. Introduction to Spanish is a three-week class taking place on Tuesdays, beginning January 8. Mexican Street Spanish with Alfredo Perez, January 14, 10 a.m. to noon. (An intermediate Spanish level is needed for this class.) These classes are open only to Lake Chapala Society members.
Find out about dates, times and costs at the LCS office.
Progressive Action Group
Over the past 50 years, the average global temperature has increased at the fastest rate in recorded history. All but one of the 18 hottest years in NASA’s 136-year record has occurred since 2001. Climate scientists see this trend accelerating.
The Progressive Action Group has selected climate change as the theme for actions in 2019. Their next meeting is January 8, 2 p.m. at the Sunrise Cafe.
The Progressive Action Group is a gathering of like-minded people looking for progressive solutions to political problems. The second Tuesday of each month. Information: Facebook/Progressive Action Group or 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..
US Consulate outreach
The U.S. Consulate holds an outreach at Lakeside Wednesday, January 9, 9 to 10 a.m. at American Legion Post 7 Chapala, and from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m. at the Lake Chapala Society. Consular staff will be available to help U.S. citizens with passport issues and notary services. All services are provided on a first come, first serve basis.
Tarahumara Project
Libby Townsend continues to collect donations for her Tarahumara Project’s annual yard sale to be held later this month. Donations can be dropped off at the Guadalajara Reporter office at Plaza Bugambilias in Ajijic, or one can arrange to have items picked up. Call (376) 766-3338 or email Townsend 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..
LCS bus trips
The Lake Chapala Society (LCS) offers a bus trip to downtown Guadalajara for a self-guided walking tour of the historic sites, Wednesday, January 9.
The January 17 trip is to Galerias Mall and Costco.
Check the LCS office or website to sign up and for departure times and cost of the trips.
Canadian Club
Author Rachel McMillen will speak on the “Wisdom of the Canadian Indigenous People” at the next meeting of the Canadian Club, Wednesday, January 9, 4 p.m. at La Nueva Posada.
McMillen spent 30 years sailing the west coast of Canada visiting many native villages along the way. Social hour begins 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Information: canadianclubmx.com.
Eat fish, help dogs
Enjoy a catfish fry, Thursday, January 10, 5 to 8 p.m. at Southern Sisters Restaurant, in West Ajijic.
The menu is catfish, hushpuppies, sides, desserts and a cash bar. A raffle, sales table and silent auction will round out this fundraiser for The Ranch, a dog rescue center.
Donations are appreciated, including towels, collars, leashes and canned dog food.
Reservations: (376) 766-4738, 333-958-3385.
For newbies
The Lake Chapala Society offers a four-hour course, “Introduction to Lakeside,” Thursday, January 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for LCS members only.
Learn all the basics: banking, shopping, restaurants, medical, getting around, entertainment, recreation, housing, communities and culture. Sign up at the LCS office.
Creative writing
Fred Aceves will give a one-day creative writing workshop Saturday, January 12 in the Chapala area.
Aceves’ debut novel published by Harper Collins, “The Closest I’ve Come,” was a 2017 Kirkus Best Book.
This workshop will focus on structure, characterization, description, dialogue, point of view and voice.
Tails of Mexico
Spay-Getti No Balls 2019, an annual fund-raiser for Tails of Mexico, is held at the Raquet Club House in San Juan Cosala Saturday, January 19, 5 to 8 p.m.
Savor a delicious spaghetti dinner with Caesar salad and small dessert. A cash bar, door prizes, music by Abby and a dessert auction are just part of the fun. This event sold out last year.
Tickets, 400 pesos in advance, 450 pesos at the door, are available at donorbox.org/spaygetti-fundraiser.
Burns Supper
Niños Incapacitados will hold its Robbie Burns Supper benefit Friday, January 25 at the Hotel Real de Chapala.
A celebration of Scotland’s most famous bard, the event includes cocktails and dancing in the patio area and dinner in the Eucalyptus room. Tributes, toasts and singing, kilt-wearing bagpipers and Scottish country dancing precede a new dinner menu, plus a bit of the haggis and a wee dram of scotch.
For tickets, contact Jerry Croucher at (376) 766-2036, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or order online at programaninos.com. Tickets can be picked up and paid for at The Spotlight Club daily from 2 to 5 p.m.
Calendar corrections
Changes in special events listed in the 2019 calendar published in last week’s edition:
The Northern Lights Festival de Febrero runs from February 9-24
The Festival Sangre Viva indigenous culture fair in Ajijic has been postponed from late January until March 29-31.
Insight Meditation
The Heart of Awareness Insight Meditation Community offers multiple opportunities each week for silent meditation. All sessions are open to the public regardless of experience or affiliation.
Sunday, January 6, the center is open from 9 a.m. to noon for three rounds of sitting and walking meditation. Additional meditation periods are offered Wednesday at 4 p.m. and Thursday at 11 a.m.
Wednesday, January 9, the regular meditation period, 4 to 4:45 p.m., will be followed by a video talk by Frank Ostaseski, a Buddhist teacher, international lecturer and the author of “The Five Invitations.” A discussion period follows the video.
Registration is now open for a two-part workshop with Loretta Downs, titled “Making Friends with Death,” offered on Saturdays, January 12 and 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. Register in advance at heartofawareness.org, by email (contact@heart ofawareness.org), or in person at the meditation center. More information is available on the website.
A yoga class suitable for beginners and advanced students, is offered Thursday, 9 to 10:45 a.m.
The center is at Guadalupe Victoria 101, Ajijic. Information: heartofawareness.org.