Open Circle
Kassandra A. King presents “Alzheimer’s Disease: Keep Listening, Keep Talking” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, June 9, 10:30 a.m. to noon on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
A “recovering nursing home administrator,” King shares timeless tips and guidance regarding the importance of continued engagement with people with Alzheimer’s disease.
From sheer exasperation, at times we may respond to our beloveds with frustration or not at all. How do we restore our interactive energy? Previously unheard stories about our partners, parents or best friends can surface as mental shifts occur. Therein lies opportunity to create intimacy over seemingly unsurpassable distances. To alter the conversation experience, the key is to ask the right questions and be prepared for pleasant or perhaps not so pleasant surprises.
King’s presentation at last year’s Open Circle generated much needed conversation. She has since established permanente status in Mexico and started Mira Soul Center to provide rementia education.
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
Waiter’s course
Donald Spangler will conduct a professional waitstaff course Sunday, June 9 and Monday, June 10. Spangler says the weekly class will show how to be a world-class, top-shelf waiter or waitress.
The class will focus on learning professional server skills and great customer service, communication, improvement in using English and the development of personal professional image and career goals.
For more information, contact Spangler at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or (376) 106-2183.
LCS courses
These courses for LCS members only will keep you in the know:
• Mexican aguas frescas (fruit/herbal drinks): Monday, June 10, 10 a.m. to noon.
• Introduction to Lakeside. Learn all the basics: banking, shopping, restaurants, medical services, getting around, transportation, housing, utilities, maid and gardening services, social protocols, fiestas, holidays, religious observations: Thursday, June 13, 9 to 12:30 p.m.
• Mexican chiles and salsas: Friday, June 14, noon to 2 p.m.
• Mexican traditional fermented beverages: Monday, June 17, 11 to 12:30 p.m.
• 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.
Democrats Abroad
The next monthly gathering of the Democrats Abroad Lake Chapala Chapter is Monday, June 10, 4 p.m. at La Bodega Restaurant in Ajijic. The program will feature Ed Tasca as guest speaker, who will aim to add some levity and stimulating thoughts on the state of party politics today in the United States.
Tasca is a longtime resident of Lakeside and a popular humor columnist for the Guadalajara Reporter. He is also a published novelist and playwright, and has acted in Lakeside Little Theatre productions.
He will talk about a subject he calls “On the Coattails of Lincoln,” and will ask the question, “Is the Republican Party really the Party of Lincoln?” Tasca will also attempt to explain the current U.S. administration in a briefing called “Fifty Shades of Orange” or, he says, given the success of the previous Obama administration, the title might be “Is Orange the New Black?”
With Tasca’s assistance, it is hoped that participants will gain more insight and inspiration about the future of U.S. politics.
Chapter members, visitors and newcomers are welcome. Botanas will be served and there will be a cash bar.
Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Lake Chapala Birders
Monday, June 10, 8 a.m., the Lake Chapala Birders will meet to walk the one-mile-long Allen Lloyd Trail, which has lots of underbrush where birds love to hide. Expect to see stripe-headed sparrow and groove-billed ani and hear the happy wren and orange-billed nightingale thrush (above). At about 10:15 a.m. the group heads to Cafe Negro for breakfast and to complete the bird list.
To reach the trail head, drive up the Libramiento a half-mile from the traffic light at Walmart, and park on the north side of the road across from the El Dorado Condominium tower.
LCS/commerce mixer
The Lake Chapala Society (LCS) and the Cámara de Comercio de Guadalajara Delegacíon Chapala (Chapala Chamber of Commerce) are holding a community mixer, Tuesday, June 11, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Ixánar Uriza, operating director for the Corporativa de Fundaciones, A.C., will speak on how her organization can help you and your non-profit. Corporativa de Fundaciones (CF) is a non-profit community foundation from Jalisco with 20 years of experience. CF fosters alliances between different entities interested in community development. Their strategy revolves around three axes: strengthening of non-profits through training programs, public advocacy and advice for leaders and donors. Her talk begins at 6:15 p.m.
The Conexciones Entre Amigos mixer is a joint effort between the local business chamber and LCS, with the aim of uniting the community on topics of mutual interest and enhancing the quality of life at lakeside.
TED Talks
Brene Brown presents “Listening to Shame” at the next Ted Talk, Tuesday, June 11, noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Lake Chapala Society Sala. Open to LCS members only.
Shame is an unspoken epidemic, the secret behind many forms of broken behavior. Brown, whose earlier talk on vulnerability became a viral hit, explores what can happen when people confront their shame head-on. Her own humor, humanity and vulnerability shine through every word.
Hosted by Susan Weeks.
LCS bus trips
The Lake Chapala Society 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.
Spanish communication
The Difficult Journey requires all your Spanish skills.
This event simulates arriving at the Mexico/U.S. border and preparing a trip to Mexico City. Travel through the border zone experiencing realistic travel-oriented situations while conversing with native Spanish speakers. Visit the bank, pharmacy, restaurant and go through immigration and customs. You’ll soon be ready to travel anywhere your Spanish takes you.
This is not a class, but an opportunity to practice your Spanish in a stress-free and friendly environment. You will learn more words and phrases along with the activity. A few sample documents such as passport, traveler check, immigration forms, etc. The people you will interact with are volunteers from the local Mexican community. They all want you to succeed.
Event fee: 250 pesos. Location: Lake Chapala Society south campus board room. Enrollment until June 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the LCS office.
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.
Wednesday, June 12, the meditation period will be followed by the second segment of a Tricycle “Retreat” series titled “Compassion in Polarizing Times,” taught by Dungse Jampal Norbu, a teacher in the Mangala Shri Bhuti sangha. The teacher will guide you through practices to cool off anger and take a walk in another’s shoes. The video will be followed by a discussion period.
The Tuesday Practice/Study group has been taking a break but will resume beginning July 2. The book is yet to be chosen. The group meets weekly from 3 to 5 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.