Helping hand
Donations are being sought to help a local woman walk again.
It’s Kinda Bazar ... and Kinda Not has chosen Carolina Lopez as their charity recipient for March. All profits from donations and sales this month will go toward helping Caro obtain two hip transplants that will enable her to walk and eliminate her chronic pain.
Now 37, Caro has been crippled and in pain since a bicycle accident at age 12. Her bones are crumbling and she is facing the possibility of amputation without the hip transplants as soon as possible.
Mexico’s health care for the indigent will cover most of the surgical costs but Caro must pay out-of-pocket for the prosthetic hip devices (about 40,000 pesos for each hip), plus medications and other miscellaneous expenses. Currently unable to work and with no income, her only chance for surgery is to obtain sufficient contributions from the community.
Donations of cash or items can be dropped off at It’s Kinda Bazaar, on the Carretera in Riberas del Pilar, throughout March or thereafter. Just specify that it is for Carolina Lopez.
Details and updates of Caro’s situation can be followed on the Facebook pages Help Caro to Walk (English) and Ayuda a Caro a Caminar (Spanish).
Vegan Fest
The second Lake Chapala Vegan Fest will be held Saturday, March 9, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the plaza in San Antonio Tlayacapan. The event promises fantastic food, inspirational speakers and cooking demos. Special guests include Narciso the pig and the famous Mexican YouTubers, Cocina Vegan Facil. Everything will be translated for both English and Spanish speakers. Entrance is free.
St. Andrew’s concert plus
Join your neighbors in celebrating the people and organizations who make life better for all Lakesiders. Sunday, March 10, St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Outreach program’s grant recipients from San Juan Cosala to La Zapoteria will be selling their unique food, plants and crafts at an artisans’ bazaar in the church garden.
The event also includes a free concert by San Juan Cosala’s Greydanus Music School Orchestra and Chorus members at 11:45 a.m. A car wash will be held by Brigadistas (youth leaders) from San Juan Tecomatlan to San Pedro Itzican and other Poncitlan area communities. The event is at San Lucas 19 in Riberas de Pilar from 11:30 a.m. 2 p.m. Open to the public. No entrance charge.
Open Circle
Compañía de Ópera de Jalisco (formerly Ópera ad Líbitum de Guadalajara) will perform at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, March 10, 10:30 a.m. to noon on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
The newly named Compañía de Ópera de Jalisco is the same exquisite quartet who have delighted Open Circle audiences for the last four years. This program will include parts from a Mendelsohnn oratorio, two duets by Léo Delibes, and selections from zarzuela music, a genre of musical theatre that originated in Spain during the Baroque era and enjoys current international popularity.
The vocalists 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 have established a name for themselves nationally and internationally. They will be accompanied by an ensemble of musicians: Cesar Castro (piano), Monserat Velázquez (bassoon), José Luis García (violin) and Juan Fernando Magdaleno (violin).
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
Democrats Abroad
The Lake Chapala Chapter of Democrats Abroad 7th Annual Film Festival Sunday continues Sunday March 10,1:30 p.m. at the Cinemagic Theater in Plaza Bugambilias in Ajijic.
This Sunday the feature is “Fahrenheit 11/9,” Michael More’s latest film about what brought us to the Trump presidency — a provocative and comedic view.
Proceeds from the 100-peso ticket price will be used to continue support to non-partisan voter registration at Lakeside. Information:
The next meeting of the chapter takes place Monday, March 11, 4 p.m. at La Bodega restaurant. Jacqueline and Larry Long will speak on “Serving the American Indian Movement and One-Thousand Women.”
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Progressive Action Group
A debate between two points of view; one, that global warming is just a natural manifestation and has happened before; and two, global warming is a human-caused occurrence that threatens our very existence, is scheduled for the next meeting of the Progressive Action Group, Tuesday, March 12, 4 p.m. at Casa Linda, Rio Bravo 7 in Ajijic.
The Progressive Action Group is a gathering of like-minded people looking for progressive solutions to political problems. Information: FB/ProgressiveActionGroup 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..
TED Talks
Hugh Evans presents “What does it mean to be a Citizen of the World” at the next TED Talk, Tuesday, March 12, noon to 1:30 p.m. in the LCS Sala
At 14, Evans spent the night in a Manila slum. The harsh realities of his hosts’ lives motivated him to start a movement that mobilizes”global citizens,” people who self-identify first and foremost not as members of a state, nation or tribe but as members of the human race. In this uplifting and personal talk, learn more about how this new understanding of our place in the world is galvanizing people to take action in the fights against extreme poverty, climate change, gender inequality and more.
“These are ultimately global issues,” Evans says, “and they can only be solved by global citizens demanding global solutions from their leaders.”
Hosted by Fred Harland. For LCS members only.
Post-Life Planning
“Get It Done: A Free Dying and Death Workshop” for the entire Lakeside community will be held Wednesdays, March 13 and March 20, 4:30 p.m. at American Legion Post 7 Chapala.
Susana Greenberg, a recently retired geriatric nurse practitioner specializing in palliative and hospice care, and Elizabeth Katz, who did hospice work in a non-medical capacity, will present the program.
Do not register unless you can commit to both dates. Information and 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..
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 Manners, Wednesday, March 13, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• Class to obtain a Jalisco driver’s license, Monday, March 25, 10 to 11:30 a.m. and a trip to Guadalajara to obtain or renew a license, Tuesday, March 26, 7 a.m.
• Traditional Ajijic paper balloons, Thursday, March 28, 1 to 4 p.m.
Canadian Club
Hector España Ramos, the Chapala government’s liaison to the expat community, is the speaker at the next meeting of the Canadian Club, Wednesday, March 13, 4 p.m. at La Nueva Posada. Social hour begins 3 p.m. There’s a 50-peso charge for non members.
LCS bus trips
The Lake Chapala Society offers a bus trip to to Costco and Galerias Mall in Guadalajara Wednesday, March 20.
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.
Goodbye snowbirds
The Great Northern Snowbird Flock-off, a yearly tradition kept running by Patrick Holden, takes place Wednesday, March 20, 4 p.m. at Maria Isabel Restaurant. Come and say adios to your snowbird friends and enjoy a meal with them. 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..
Noche Mexicana
The annual Niños Incapacitados Gala Dinner/Dance Fiesta is Thursday, March 14, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Real de Chapala in Ajijic.
The “Noche Mexicana” raises funds for ongoing support of seriously ill children at Lakeside.
A big part of the evening is the live and silent auctions of donated “experiences” and beautiful merchandise, plus a lucky draw, including a Wine Pull game of chance and 500-peso gift baskets. The event also includes a complimentary Bubbly and Margarita reception at 5 p.m. In addition to the dinner, there’s a no-host bar, as well as live music and entertainment. Tickets, 600 pesos, 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.. Information: programaninos.com.
Lake Chapala Birders
The Lake Chapala Birders meet Friday, March 15, 8:30 a.m. at Donas Donuts to car pool, leaving immediately for the Rosa Amarilla Loop on the plateau above the south side of the lake – a one-hour drive. Expect to see osprey and possibly a white-tailed hawk. Bring refreshments for the morning and sandwiches for a 12:30 p.m. lunch stop. Return to Ajijic about 3 p.m. Bird walks are open to all those interested in birds; just bring binoculars. If you plan on going, email John Keeling at least 48 hours ahead of time and mention if you can help with a vehicle for the carpool. 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..
Insight Meditation
The Heart of Awareness Insight Meditation Community offers multiple opportunities each week for silent meditation: Sunday, 9 a.m. to noon, 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 13-16, senior dharma teacher DaeJa Napier will be in residence. She will teach at the regular Wednesday gathering and there will also be an option for private interviews. Opportunities to hear the teachings and receive support in the practice will include a daylong retreat, “Living in The Heart of Awareness, A Mindfulness and Metta Retreat,” Saturday, March 16 at Cinco Elementos retreat center in La Cristina. 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.
Sunset boat cruise
A Sunset Boat Cruise on Lake Chapala to benefit The Ranch no-kill dog shelter will be held Tuesday, March 19. This fun-filled event will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, a 50/50 raffle and music by Polanco and Steadman.
Boarding begins 5 p.m. and the boat departs at 5:30 p.m. on the east side of El Bambu Restaurant on Restaurant Row on the Carretera about 1.5 miles before San Juan Cosala. De-board at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets, 550 pesos are on sale at Diane Pearl. There is free parking on the mountain side of the street.
Shriner’s Rib Fest
The 13th annual Shriners Ribfest, a fundraiser to help sick lakeside children, is set for Wednesday, March 27, 1 to 5 p.m. at the Cumbres Jardin Eventos on the top of Chula Vista Norte.
The Ajijic Jam Band will play as you enjoy a succulent BBQ rib dinner prepared by Adelita’s Restaurant. On-site parking at Cumbres or the shuttle service from Black Coffee will get you up to the event.
A silent auction at the Ribfest has just been upgraded by a large donation from the estate of Robert and Sally Salvatore, including 15 oils by artists Jose Duran, David Villasennor and others. There will be many more items.
All the proceeds go to provide physical examination of Lakeside children to determine if they qualify for treatment locally or in Guadalajara, or transportation to the Mexico City Shrine Hospital for orthopaedic, burn, cleft lip or cleft palate care or surgery,
Tickets, 600 pesos, are available from any Shriner, or contact David Eccles at 331-017-1724, 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..