British luncheon
The Lakeside British and Commonwealth Society holds its monthly luncheon Saturday, April 6, 12:45 p.m. at Manix Restaurant, Ocampo 57 in Ajijic.
Menu choices begin with a small salad or green bean soup, rosemary chicken, roast potatoes, gravy and vegetables or vegetarian curry and rice or a large salad with protein. Dessert is individual trifles. 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. to confirm your attendance.
Open Circle
Gale Park will present “Sacred Circles: Wheels of Power and Connection” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, April 7, 10:30 a.m. to noon on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
Since the ancients first wondered at the sun and moon, circles have had a special spiritual significance. In this presentation on the symbolism and uses of sacred circles in spiritual practice, we will see how they align us with the natural world and the spirits that animate and sustain it. We will pay special attention to European and Native American traditions and seek to deepen our understanding of the most basic concepts – the directions, the elements and the seasons.
Park is a writer, poet, artist and mystic who particularly enjoys writing and teaching about spirituality. She has studied and drawn inspiration from many spiritual traditions but has focused on shamanism and druidry since the year 2000. Her shamanic teachers have included a Peruvian curandera, a ceremonialist in the Native American tradition, an 11th generation Siberian shaman and an internationally known Peruvian shaman.
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
Democrats Abroad
The Democrats Abroad Lake Chapala Chapter will screen “Equal Means Equal” Sunday, April 7, 1:30 p.m. at the Cinemagic Theater in Plaza Bugambilias in Ajijic.
This groundbreaking documentary highlights continuing gender inequality in the United States, and why it is so critical for men and women to fight together to finally pass the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the Constitution, introduced in 1923 and still not ratified. Only one more state is needed to enact the ERA.
Proceeds from the series help fund the chapter’s non-partisan voter support at Lakeside.
The next monthly get-together of Democrats Abroad is Monday, April 8, 4 p.m. at La Bodega Restaurant. The keynote speaker at last weekend’s annual meeting of Democrats Abroad chapters in Mexico, held in San Miguel de Allende, was Robert Reich (see story, page 7). The video of Reich’s inspiring speech and the subsequent question-and-answer session, will be presented. Don’t miss his breath of fresh air and motivating challenges on how we can work together to improve our future. Members, visitors and newcomers are highly encouraged to join this meeting.
Progressive Action Group
Members will have a discussion of current political topics and share information on political groups and action at the next meeting of the Progressive Action Group, Tuesday, April 9, 2 p.m. at Casa Linda at Rio Bravo 7 in Ajijic.
The Progressive Action Group is a gathering of like-minded people looking for progressive solutions to political problems. They meet the second Tuesday of each month.
Facebook: Progressive Action Group; Email: lakeside 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 Spanish
Lake Chapala Society (LCS) members can take advantage of an Introduction to Spanish course beginning Tuesday, April 9 and running for three Tuesdays, noon to 1:30 p.m.
This class is designed for individuals without any Spanish language background. The instructor introduces learners to Spanish pronunciation, some vocabulary and social protocols.
Register and pay online or register and pay in the LCS Service Office.
Connections
The Lake Chapala Society (LCS) and Chapala chapter of the Guadalajara Chamber of Commerce (CANACO) are promoting a community mixer Tuesday, April 9, and subsequently on the second Tuesday of each month, starting at 5:30 p.m. at LCS, (16 de septiembre 16-A, Ajijic).
The event is called “Conecciones entre Amigos” (Connections between Friends) and will feature speakers on relevant topics followed by an opportunity to socialize in an environment that will include music, snacks and a cash bar.
The first guest speaker is José Andrés Orendáin de Obeso, vice president of CANACO, who will talk for about 30 minutes on what the Chamber of Commerce offers to its members and society in general. He will present the services that are available through the organization. This presentation will be of value to local businesses and those who support local businesses as customers. The event concludes at 8 p.m.
Future topics are: doing business in Mexico, tourism, municipal services, education, security, health, sports and cultural events.
The speaker for Tuesday, May 14 will be Terry Vidal, executive director of the Lake Chapala Society, who will bring everyone up to date on the organization’s new ten-year plan.
Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
TED Talks
Dina Katabi presents “A New Way to Monitor Vital Signs” at the next TED Talk, Tuesday, April 9, noon to 1:30 p.m. in the LCS Sala. For LCS members only.
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.
Singles
Lakeside Singles is sponsoring a get-together Thursday, April 11, 4 to 6 p.m. at Blue Moon restaurant (next door to El BarCo). Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you plan to attend.
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.
• Holy Mole, Friday, April 12, 2 to 4 p.m.
• Study 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.
Ajijic Men‘s Circle
Are you an elder, or just old? When are you fully alive, worry free, participating in life and having fun? What more is there? What limits you? What are your fears and challenges? What supports you in making the most of life?
An Elder Forum to be held Friday, April 12, 6 to 9 p.m. at Nicolas Bravo 17 Ajijic, is a time to reflect on these questions and more. All are welcome to this event sponsored by Ajijic Men’s Group.
Information: (376) 766-0920 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..
Lake Chapala Birders
The Lake Chapala Birders meet Monday, April 15, 8 a.m. at La Cristina on the west side of Ajijic.
Expect to see some shore birds, some birds in the tall trees and other birds in the scrub. At about 10. a.m. the group will head to Fonda Dona Lola for breakfast and complete the bird list.
La Cristina is about four kilometers west on the Carrtera from the traffic light at Avenida Colon. Look for signs for Hacienda La Cristina (near signs for Las Palmas, a bus stop and a vivero), drive to the lake and park close to the lake.
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. There are no fees and all sessions are open to the public. Chairs and cushions and brief written instructions on meditation for beginners are provided.
The first Sunday of the month, April 7, the center is open from 9 am until noon for 3 rounds of sitting and walking meditation.
Wednesday, April 10, the meditation period will be followed by the second in a series of teachings on “The Power of Forgiveness: Forgiving ourselves and others.” The videos feature Gina Sharpe, co-founder of the New York Insight Meditation Center, who talks about how our ability to forgive allows us to make space for our ability to meet suffering – our suffering as well as the suffering of others – with a kind heart. She guides us in the process to find forgiveness for others and forgiveness for ourselves.
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.