Grants available
The Outreach Committee of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Riberas del Pilar is accepting applications for April 2019 grants from Lakeside charities (ACs).
Grant application forms should be submitted no later than Friday, March 29. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for forms and instructions.
Open Circle
Jan Miller will present “Be Careful of the Stories You Tell – You Become Your Stories” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, March 24, 10:30 a.m. to noon on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
We are all storytellers. Sharing biography is a way to connect. Some of our stories are sad. Victim anecdotes are common. We want others to know it’s not our fault. Unfortunately claiming innocence robs us of the possibility of change. Our narratives release hormones and stress chemicals. Our biography becomes our biology. Our stories can empower us and our listeners. They are living stories that evolve as we do.
Jan Miller, a three-time author, was a sign language interpreter for 20 years before going into private practice offering seminars, counseling and motivational talks. Her books reflect her philosophy that each person does the best they can with the choices they make but everyone has more potential for change than they realize. She lives in Verona, Ontario, Canada, with her husband Dick.
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
Genealogy Forum
The next meeting of the Genealogy Forum is Monday, March 25, 1 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Riberas del Pilar.
This month’s presentation will look at three free apps that are not specifically for genealogy. All three can be surprisingly useful to the genealogist, and Marci Bowman will discuss how and why you might want to use them. The apps are Evernote, Jing and GoToMeeting. Evernote can help organize your online stuff, Jing can clip photos and data for use elsewhere, and GoToMeeting allows you to have small group online “phone” conversations using your computer. Bowman will show you why she likes these genealogy hacks.
The Genealogy Forum is open to all. There are no dues. Whether you are just starting to research your family tree or you are an experienced genealogist, the Genealogy Forum will have something for you.
Democrats Abroad
Do you want to understand climate change better and how it is also inflaming political conflicts? Next Sunday, March 24, at 1:30 p.m., the Lake Chapala Chapter of Democrats Abroad will present “The Age of Consequences” at the Cinemagic Theater in Plaza Bugambilias in Ajijic, as part of their 7th Annual Film Festival. This film is not just about how to protect the environment. It investigates the increasing impacts of climate change, resource scarcity, migration crises and societal strife on global stability, through the analysis of international problems such as the European refugee crisis. Proceeds from the series help fund the Chapter’s non-partisan voter support at Lakeside. 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..
Lake Chapala Birders
The Lake Chapala Birders meet Monday, March 25, 8 a.m. at Donas Donuts in Ajijic to car pool, leaving immediately for the Sierra de Tapalpa (a 90-minute drive).
The group will bird from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., then have lunch in the town of Tapalpa and complete the bird list. Expect to see higher altitude birds such as acorn woodpecker, slate-throated redstart and possibly a trans-volcanic jay. Bring refreshments for the morning. Return to Ajijic about 5 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..
TED Talks
John Francis presents “Walk the Earth … My 17 Year Vow of Silence” at the next TED Talk, Tuesday, March 26, noon to 1:30 p.m. in the LCS Sala. Open to LCS members only.
For almost three decades, Francis has been a planet walker, traveling the globe by foot and sail with a message of environmental respect and responsibility (for 17 of those years without speaking). This is a funny, thoughtful talk, carrying a message of careful, truly sustainable development and respect for our planet.
Hosted by Ron Mullenaux.
Play Euchre?
The Lakeside Euchre Club will hold games in a quasi-tournament style each Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. sharp at the Blue Moon restaurant in Ajijic (next to El BarCo).
This is friendly entertainment with players having a new partner for every game, thus having a chance to meet new people. All players – novices, advanced, singles, couples, etcetera – are invited and if you have never played before, drop in early and they’ll teach you the basics.
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The Blue Moon is offering a 200-peso tab for the winner.
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 will have many 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 orthopedic, 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..
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: March 28, streaming TV Lakeside, April 4, keeping your passwords.
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..
LCS courses
The LCS offers its members a variety of courses and seminars to learn about the history and flavors of Mexico. Sign up at the LCS office.
• A four-day course on Ajijic’s tradition of paper balloons begins Thursday, March 28, 1-4 p.m.
• Mexico Traditional Fermented Beverages, Monday, April 8, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
• Mexican Chiles and Salsas, Thursday, April 11, 10 a.m. to noon.
• Holy Mole, Friday, April 12, 2 to 4 p.m.
• Study the course to take your Mexican Driver’s License test, Monday April 29, 10 to 11:30 a.m. and then go to Guadalajara to obtain your new or renewal license Tuesday, April 30, 7 a.m.
End-of-life plan
Wendy Jane Carrel will give the talk, “Why Creating an End-of-Life Plan for Expats in Mexico is a Good Idea,” at the Lake Chapala Society Sala, Friday, March 29, 2 p.m.
Carrel is a Spanish-speaking senior care specialist for Mexico with four years of hands-on experience in Jalisco as a palliative care coordinator and end-of-life planner.
Free entrance.
April Fools’ Day
Tepehua Centro Comunitario will be hosting its fourth annual April Fools’ fundraiser bash Tuesday, April 2, 4 to 8 p.m. at the Sunrise Restaurant in San Antonio Tlayacapan. Enjoy lots of fun and laughs for a great cause. Prizes will be given for the best costumes.
Tickets via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Harvey at 603-923-8893 (U.S. cel).
LCS bus trips
The Lake Chapala Society is offering a bus trip to the Amatitan Tres Mujeres Distillery, Wednesday, April 10. The town of Amatitan claims to be the true home of the tequila that we enjoy today. Tour the distillery, enjoy tastings and a Mexican meal in the Tres Mujeres Restaurant.
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 27, the meditation period will be followed by two readings on “Silence.” In the first, Joan Duncan Oliver tells us “Beyond the internal mess is clear space, a clear mind. And there’s no better place – indeed, no other place – to meet your true self.” While we can connect more readily than ever before, are we losing our connection to body and mind? Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh thinks so and, in the second short essay, offers a nourishing conscious breathing practice as a remedy. The readings will be followed by a discussion period.
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.