Open Circle
Dr. David Truly presents “The Rise and Fall of a Foreign Retirement Community in Mexico” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, February 17, 10:30 a.m., on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
Mexico has a long history as a popular destination for often eccentric foreign retirees and expats. Recent changes in the socio-political climate and the influx of aging Baby Boomers, however, have resulted in a migration trend that has exerted significant pressures on both the natural and socio-cultural fabric of some retirement destinations. Private and public agencies now aggressively promote retirement migration to enhance Mexico’s tourism development initiatives.
Dr. Truly offers an overview of recent studies that reflect some of these changes in the Lake Chapala area and the role of the foreign and Mexican communities in this transformation. A brief review of tourism and retirement research will shed light on the unique nature of this community and its fragile existence.
Dr. Truly has a PhD in Geography and has studied retirement migration to Mexico since 1997. Formerly a professor at Central Connecticut State University, he has taught at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara and has conducted numerous studies on senior housing and health care throughout Mexico. He currently lives in Austin, Texas.
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
TED Talks
Anu Partanen presents “The Nordic Theory of Everything” at the next TED Talk, Tuesday, February 19, noon to 1:30 p.m. in the LCS Sala
Anu defends the Nordic approach to a comprehensive social safety net, arguing that it makes people more productive, self reliant,independent, entrepreneurial, free and happy.
Hosted by Clive Overton. For LCS members only.
Cafe Mortality
Debi Buckland and Loretta Downs will hold an informal, respectful conversation about dying at their Cafe Mortality, February 19, 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Danny’s Restaurant, Carretera Oriente 2 in Ajijic.
A number of retired expats and visitors pass away unexpectedly in Mexico without a health care directive and/or an end-of-life plan. There is a need for continued conversation and education on this issue.
Loretta Downs has been speaking to locals about end-of-life for several years and encourages her audiences to become friendly with the idea of mortality and to prepare for it – think about it and express to others what you want.
“At a Death Café … the aim is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their (finite) lives,” says deathcafe.com.
Most of all, Cafe Mortality encourages an exchange of stories and perspectives as a way to embrace death. There is no agenda and attendees do the sharing. Space is limited to 30 people and reservations are requested. RSVP to Facebook/CafeMortalityAjijic 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.. The donation of 65 pesos toward a coffee or tea goes to Danny’s. Sweets are extra.
LCS courses on Mexico
The Lake Chapala Society (LCS) offers its members a variety of courses and seminars in February to learn about the history and flavors of Mexico. Sign up at the LCS office.
• Mexican corn tortillas and other dishes with corn, Tuesday, February 19, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Discover Mexican manners, Wednesday, February 20, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Street Spanish, Thursday, February 28, 10 a.m. to noon.
• Mexican fermented beverages, Thursday, March 7, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
• Coming home: Real stories of Mexican migrants, by Judy King, Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3 and 10.
• Don’t get ripped off building or remodeling your house, by Architect Marcos Fuentes, Tuesdays, 4 to 5:30 p.m., March 5, 12, 19 and 26.
• Children of corn: food in Mexican culture and cuisine, by Eleonora Santini, Mondays and Thursday, 2:30 to 4 p.m., March 4, 7, 11, 14, 21 and 25.
Jaltepec
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The annual open house for locals who are interested in learning more about Centro Educativo Jaltepec (hospitality school) is Tuesday, February 19, 11 a.m. The school allows young women from all over Mexico to earn a degree in hoteleria. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served during a discussion of the history of the center, and its academic and scholarship programs. A tour of the facilities followed by a 1 p.m. luncheon will showcase the quality of education.
Reservations: Linda Buckthorp, (376) 766-1631 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..
Lakeside Freethinkers
A conspiracy theory is an explanation of an event or situation that invokes a plot – generally one involving an illegal or harmful act supposedly carried out by government or other powerful actors – without credible evidence. Together with their first cousins, fake news, they are challenging society’s trust in facts. This contagion poses a profound threat to democracy.
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Co-chairs Patrick Ryan and Chad Olsen will present the design and origin of conspiracy theories and examples of their human cost at the next meeting of the Lakeside Freethinkers, Wednesday, February 20, 4 p.m. at La Nueva Posada. Dinner and additional discussion follow.
The Lakeside Freethinkers define a “freethinker” as a person who as 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. Information, 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..
Report a crime at LCS
You can file a denuncia (formal criminal complaint) at the Lake Chapala Society with a bilingual lawyer from the Ministerio Publico (Jalisco Attorney General’s Office) Wednesdays, February 20 and March 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Talking Books Library.
MP officials will provide legal advice regarding your complaint. Show up early as they will leave if the waiting line becomes zero.
LCS bus trips
The Lake Chapala Society offers bus trips to various metro area locations throughout this month: Thursday, February 21, Costco, Mega and Home Depot; Thursday, February 28, the Guadalajara Zoo; Wednesday, March 6, Bed Bath and Beyond and World Market.
Check the LCS office or website to sign up and learn the departure times and cost of the trips for members and non-members. Registration and payment can now be made online.
LCS Tech Support
A tech expert will be available to help LCS members with questions and issues with tech devices each Thursday, noon to 2 p.m. on the Neill James Patio at a walk-up desk.
Members are encouraged to bring their phones, tablets and laptops so that issues can be solved. Also on Thursdays, specific tech classes are given: February 21, tech in Lakeside; February 28, an overview of all free Google apps; March 7, Android basics; March 21, voice control of tech; March 28, streaming TV Lakeside.
To register send an email with your LCS membership number to 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..
Jalisco driver’s license
The Lake Chapala Society offers members the opportunity to study for the driver’s exam Monday, February 25, and go to Guadalajara to obtain a new or renewed license on Tuesday, February 26, 7 a.m. Register and find out the fee for the course at the LCS office.
Lakeside Singles
A get-together for the Lakeside Singles is scheduled for Wednesday, February 27 at the Brew House Restaurant in West Ajijic, 4 to 6 p.m. The Brew House offers 14 specialty beers, a varied menu and good wine selections. If you plan to attend, 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..
Noche Mexicana
Thursday, March 14, the Hotel Real de Chapala will be the setting for a night celebrating Mexican traditions in support of the children helped by Niños Incapacitados. This annual gala fiesta will include live music and entertainment, a complementary bubbly and margarita reception and both live and silent auctions.
The fun goes from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets are available from Donna Arthurs, 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: Sunday, 9 a.m., Wednesday, 4 p.m. and Thursday, 11 a.m. All sessions are open to the public. Chairs and cushions and brief written instructions on meditation for beginners are provided.
March 13 to 16, senior dharma teacher DaeJa Napier will be in residence and provide teachings at The Heart of Awareness. Opportunities to hear her and receive support in the practice will include a daylong retreat on Saturday, March 16, at the meditation center. Advance registration is required; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.
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.