Fundraiser
The Rotary Club of Ajijic and Butterflies en Mexico (BeM) are working to uplift the village of Hacienda La Labor, located just four kilometers east of Chapala.
To continue and fortify the work they are doing, BeM has teamed up with Rotary Club of Ajijic President Carole Wolfe to reach a fundraising goal of $US25,000 in order to apply for matching fundsfrom a Rotary Club World Fund Global Grant. So far about one quarter of the funds have been raised.
The two organizations will hold a Rotary Club of Ajijic membership drive and adopt-a-village Rotary Global Grant fundraiser Saturday, July 20 at a beautiful home in San Juan Cosala. The event is by invitation only. Call for your invitations and directions: 387-761-0360. Van pick-up is available in Ajijic.
Open Circle
Noris Binet presents “Preserving the Sanctuary and Culture of Lake Chapala” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, July 21, 10:30 a.m. to noon on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
Since it was first inhabited by humans, Lake Chapala has been a source of life and a sacred place for healing, renewal and transformation through ceremonies and rituals honoring the life-giving force of the water. Binet will show how to reconnect with the sacredness that is embedded here, use it for our own wellbeing and for building bridges with the native cultures.
A visual artist, poet, author, spiritual teacher and sociologist, Binet lived in Ajijic from 1982 to 1989, appointed by the Department of Fine Arts in Guadalajara to manage the Auditorio de la Ribera, integrating locals and foreigners through cultural enrichment programs. She has studied with several indigenous communities including the Huichols. For decades she has worked with individuals and diverse communities around the world to build bridges by reclaiming a sense of the sacred. Two years ago, she returned to live in Ajijic.
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
LCS courses
• Mexican Manners, Thursday, July 25, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Temazcal: ancient Mexican ritual. (purifying spirit), Friday, August 9, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The cost and course description is available at lakechapalasociety.com or at the LCS office. For LCS members only.
TED Talks
Douglas Rushkoff presents “How to be ‘Team Human’ in the Digital Future” at the next Ted Talk, Tuesday, July 23, noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Lake Chapala Society Sala. Open to LCS members only.
Rushkoff says humans are no longer valued for our creativity … we’re now just valued for our data. He urges us to stop using technology to optimize people for the market and start using it to build a future centered on our pre-digital values of connection, creativity and respect. “Together let’s make the future that we always wanted.”
Hosted by Susan Weeks.
Lake Chapala Birders
The Lake Chapala Birders will meet at Donas Donuts in Ajijic, Monday, July 22, 8 a.m., to carpool, leaving immediately for the Rosa Amarilla Loop on the plateau above the south side of the lake (a 60-minute drive).
Expect to see wood storks, and possibly a white-tailed hawk. Bring refreshments for the morning and sandwiches for the 12:30 p.m. lunch stop. The group returns about 3 p.m.
If you plan on going, email John Keeling at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least 48 hours ahead of time to help with carpool planning.
Lake Chapala Birders is an informal group of bird observers led by John and Rosemary Keeling. Information: chapalabirders.org.
LCS bus trip
The Lake Chapala Society takes a bus trip to Tonala, Wednesday, August 7. 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 at lakechapalasociety.com/public/bustrip_form.php.
Grant Program deadline
The Lakeside Charities Grant Program is asking registered charities in the area to complete applications for Summer 2019 grants by August 14. Grant awards up to 25,000 pesos are available for projects with priorities on supporting access to basic necessities of life, which impact a group of people, and which have limited access to funding.
Applications, instructions and questions: 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., 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.
Every Monday in July the Community will screen a film from the recent Buddhafest in Los Angeles, California. Admission is free. July 22 see “Carving the Devine.”
Wednesday, July 24, the meditation period will be followed by a selection from talks given live at the 2019 Tricycle BuddhaFest. HoA will access the best of the best from teachers such as Robert Thurman, Roshi Joan Halifax, Sylvia Boorstein, Norman Fischer, Sharon Salzberg and Roshi Pat O’Hara. The video will be followed by a discussion period. Individuals are welcome to come for just the meditation period (4-4:45 p.m.), just the program and discussion period (4:50-5:50 p.m.), or both.
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.