Recycling electronics
Tom Thompson informs us that the recycling center in El Bajio now has a contact in Guadalajara that accepts electronic trash, including computers, satellite receivers, phones/cell phones, rechargeable lithium batteries, etc.
This will help get the extreme toxins found in motherboards and circuit panels out of the dump and the water table. The Guadalajara recycling company says it takes great care to clean all hard discs of information to protect privacy.
The lakeside center is a large warehouse located on the mountain side of the Carretera, about one-quarter of a kilometer west of Las Catrinas. It is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ask Saul for a receipt.
Thompson notes that these items are also accepted at Barbara’s Bazaar on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m to 4 p.m.; and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lola will provide a receipt.
Open Circle
Jim Cook presents “Mexican Haciendas: Where They Came From, How They Functioned, Where They Went” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, May 26, 10:30 a.m. to noon on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
Most foreigners have a somewhat hazy and usually very romantic vision of haciendas. Today, most haciendas are in ruins, but for 400 years they provided the way in which Mexico’s agriculture, ranching, and mining were organized.
This presentation will show how and why haciendas got started in Mexico, the central role they played in the centuries between the Spanish conquest and the Mexican Revolution, and what became of them following the Revolution.
Cook has visited and photographed more than 100 haciendas during the 12 years he and his wife have lived in Mexico. Many of these photos appear in his internet blog, “Jim and Carole’s Mexico Adventure.” His work has also appeared in Ojo del Lago and other local magazines, as well as in books and websites published in English, Spanish, Danish and Russian.
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
Bike ride
The second Rodada Embiciate (ecological bike ride) is Monday, May 27, 5 to 7 p.m., beginning at the Preparatoria (High School) Regional de Chapala on the Libramiento and finishing at the San Antonio malecon.
Call 331-410-7888 for more information and to register.
Memorial Day
American Legion Post 7 in Chapala is holding a Memorial Day ceremony in the expatriate section of the Chapala cemetery Monday, May 27, 11 a.m. Later, back at Post headquarters, a luncheon begins 2 p.m. with live music for dancing after the meal and door prizes and raffles.
Chow down on pulled pork, corn on the cob, baked beans and ice cream. Cocktail hour begins prior to dinner. Tickets, 250 pesos, are available at the Legion.
Genealogy Forum
The Genealogy Forum meets the last Monday of every month at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Riberas del Pilar. at 1 p.m. for two hours. Members with expertise in a variety of areas will be on hand. Bring your current research projects, plans or problems and explore them with the group. If you have successes, please share them. You may find yourself the expert in some area helping someone else. If you are using a laptop, please bring it. The next meeting is Monday, May 27. Information: Phyl Gaskell, 766-2722.
The Family History Center will be open at the same time, as well as on Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to noon.
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 Forum will have something for you.
TED Talks
Psychologist and cognitive scientist Steven Pinker presents “Human Nature and the Blank Slate” at the next Ted Talk, Tuesday, May 28, noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Lake Chapala Society (LCS) Sala. Open to LCS members only.
Pinker’s book “The Blank Slate” argues that all humans are born with some innate traits. Here, Pinker talks about his thesis, and why some people found it incredibly upsetting. Hosted by Susan Weeks.
LCS courses
These courses for LCS members only will keep you in the know:
• Study course to obtain Jalisco driver’s license, Monday, May 27, 10 to 11:30 a.m. and go to Guadalajara to obtain your new or renewal license, Tuesday, May 28, 7 a.m.
• Don’t get ripped off building or remodeling: Wednesdays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Mexican chiles and salsas: Friday, June 14, noon to 2 p.m.
• Mexican traditional fermented beverages: Monday, June 17, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Learn Mexican manners: Tuesday, June 18, 1 to 3:30 p.m.
• Preserving your assets in Mexico: Fridays, June 21, 28, July 5, 12, 19 and 26, noon to 1:30 p.m.
• Mexican hot cocktails: Tuesday, July 2, 1 to 3 p.m.
The costs and course descriptions for each course are available at lakechapalasociety.com or at the LCS office.
British Luncheon
The Lakeside British and Commonwealth Society holds its monthly luncheon on Saturday, June 1, 12:45 p.m. at Manix Restaurant, Ocampo 57 in Ajijic.
There will be an open mic for diners to say who they are, and when and why they came to Ajijic.
Menu is a small salad, vegetable soup, beef bourguignon and rice, spinach lasagna or a large salad with protein. Dessert is chocolate mousse. The cost is 150 pesos plus drinks and tip.
Contact Sue at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Arleen Foster at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to confirm your attendance. Visitors welcome
Giddy up
The Chapala municipal government is sponsoring a cabalgata (horseback ride) Saturday, June 1. The ride leaves the lienzo charro “El Yahualico” in Atotonilquillo at 10 a.m., heading along the back roads through San Nicolas and finishing at the Chapala lienzo charro at 2 p.m.
LCS bus trips
The Lake Chapala Society (LCS) is offering a bus trip to Tlaquepaque and the Forum Mall/Home Depot, Wednesday, June 12. On Thursday, July 4, LCS heads to the town of Amatitan and the Tres Mujeres tequila distillery.
Check the LCS office or website to sign up and learn the departure times and cost of the trips. 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. There are no fees and all sessions are open to the public, regardless of experience or affiliation. Chairs and cushions and brief written instructions on meditation for beginners are provided.
Sunday and Thursday, the meditation period is 60 minutes and includes sitting and walking. Wednesday’s “sit” last for 45 minutes.
Wednesday, May 29, the meditation period will be followed by a reading and discussion. The session ends by 6 p.m.
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.
Salute to ageless beauty and charm
María Ofelia Martínez Barragán, 68, from Tuxcueca took top honors at the Region Five Senior Queen pageant held Friday, May 17 at Chapala’s Parque de la Cristianía. Judges selected Jocotepec candidate Rosa María Levy Sevilla, 78, as first runner-up (princess), and Chapala’s Leonila Alcalá Flores, 73, in third place. The seven candidates representing Jalisco’s southeast municipalities appeared in a parade along Avenida Madero prior to the contest. Martínez Barragán will vie for the title Reina de los Adultos Mayores 2019 at the state final organized by the Family Development Agency (DIF) next month.