Open Circle
Rich Clucas will present “Breaking Children out of the Cycle of Poverty” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, August 18, 10:30 a.m. to noon, on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
How do children break free from a life of poverty? A program at Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum (TAM) in Compton, California, uses airplanes to help children avoid gangs and escape poverty. Children as young as seven are taken for a flight and given the controls of an airplane. The impact of having piloted an airplane – something far from their concept of what is possible – opens their minds to the understanding that they can be or do anything. TAM’s program continues guiding the participants, helping them excel in school and continue on to become doctors, gourmet chefs and airline pilots. Discover how we can use TAM’s concepts to help the children of Mexico.
Clucas spent 40 years in marketing communications, advertising and public relations. He holds a master’s degree in communications and a master’s and PhD in education.
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
Genealogy Forum
Researching family history has become one of the busiest uses of the Web. So many people are curious about where they came from.
Genealogy buffs at Lakeside are lucky to have a Family History Center at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) in Riberas del Pilar. The center is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon, with experienced genealogists available to help you, and provide free access to databases to which one normally must subscribe. It’s a super way to get started.
In addition, the Genealogy Forum group meets the last Monday of every month at the LDS Church from 1 to 3 p.m. At those meetings, there are even more genealogists with varying experience, who are happy to help you plan your research, give ideas of where and how to search, and celebrate your successes. There are experts on records from the United Kingdom, Ireland, other European countries, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. You can explore Jewish origins, as well as DNA test results.
During the high season, a class is held every month on different aspects of family history. Everyone is welcome, regardless of level of experience. There are no dues.
The church is located diagonally from Mom’s Restaurant and across the street (west) from Orma Autoparts. The Forum’s next meeting is Monday, August 26. Information: Phyl at 376-766-2722.
TED Talks
Michael Tubbs, the mayor of Stockton, California, presents “The Political Power of Being a Good Neighbor” at the next Ted Talk, Tuesday, August 20, noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Lake Chapala Society Sala. Open to LCS members only.
Tubbs is the youngest mayor in U.S. history to represent a city with more than 100,000 people — and his policies are sparking national conversations. In the talk, he shares how growing up amid poverty and violence shaped his bold vision for change and his commitment to govern as a neighbor, not a politician. “When we see someone different from us, they should not reflect our fears, our anxieties, our insecurities,” he says. “We should see our common humanity.”
LCS bus trips
The Lake Chapala Society (LCS) takes a bus trip to Costco/Galerias Mall in Guadalajara, Wednesday, August 21.
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.
LCS courses
LCS members can take advantage of a variety of courses and seminars.
• Learn about Mexican Manners, Thursday, August 22, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Learn about Street Spanish, Wednesday, August 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Take a class to obtain a driver’s license on Monday, August 26, 10 to 11:30 a.m., in the South Campus Board Room. Then go to Guadalajara to obtain your new or renewal license on Tuesday, August 27, 7 a.m. with the class.
• Introduction to Lakeside. Topics include: banking, shopping, medical services, transportation, housing, utilities, maid and gardening services, social protocols, fiestas, holidays, and religious observations. Thursday, September 12, 9 a.m.
• Learn about fresh fruit/herb/grain water drinks (agua frescas), Tuesday, September 17, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Check the LCS office or website for costs and to sign up.
Upscale funding for Fido
The Ranch, a no-kill dog shelter in Ajijic, needs funds for more than 80 dogs that reside there. A fund-raiser concert/cocktail party will be held Monday, September 2, 5:30 to 8 p.m. rain or shine. This intimate event, located at a private home in upper La Floresta, will feature highly talented local musicians Victor and Ignacio Garcia. Elegant hors d’oeuvres will be served for 45 minutes just prior to the start of the concert, along with a cash bar.
Victor and Ignacio will play for 30 minutes followed by a 20-minute break for more refreshments and more hors d’oeuvres, if available. After a second 30-minute performance, guests will be offered a glass of Prosecco and chocolates from Chocolac Axixic to top off the evening.
Tickets, 400 pesos, are available at Diane Pearl, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make other arrangements to purchase your tickets. The exact event location will be printed on your tickets.
Warren Hardy Spanish
Registration is now open for LCS’s popular Warren Hardy Spanish classes designed for adult students, which are held September 2 to October 22. Stop into LCS office or register online at LCS Spanish Classes. Sessions are an hour and a half and meet two days per week at the Wilkes Education Center (Biblioteca) in Ajijic.
For information, see LCS Spanish Classes on the LCS website, or email the Spanish Program Coordinator, Vivian Sternfield at 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.. Also, call the LCS office for details at 376-766-1140.
Fiesta Mexicana
Helping you gear up for Mexican Independence month activities, the Lake Chapala Society will hold a traditional Mexican fiesta Friday, September 6, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Highlights will be a great Mexican show with mariachi bands, a children’s ballet folklorico and stick horse skirmish, lasso rope tricks and a charro show. Chow down on a home-made Mexican food buffet. A cash bar is available. Tickets are 250 pesos at the LCS office or website, and Yoli’s beauty salon in Ajijic.
LCS tech
LCS basic tech classes are available Thursdays in September, 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sign up via email: 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..
Thursday September 5: YouTube is your friend.
Thursday September 19: Cell phones in Mexico.
Thursday September 26: Introduction to Facebook.
Insight Meditation
The Heart of Awareness meditation center is located at Guadalupe Victoria 101 and all meditation sessions are open to the general public regardless of experience or affiliation. Chairs and cushions are provided and there are written instructions on meditation for beginners.
Periods for silent meditation are on Sunday at 9 a.m., Wednesday at 4 p.m. and Thursday at 11 a.m.
The movie matinee series continues every Monday, 3 p.m. August 19 the selection is “Almost Sunrise” directed by Michael Collins. In this Emmy-nominated documentary, two friends haunted by their combat experiences in Iraq embark on a 2,700-mile pilgrimage across United States. Step by step, they confront the “moral injury” of war and discover the transformative power of meditation and community. (96 minutes.) Admission is free and all are welcome.
The movie will be followed by a “community social” at Café Cacao starting at 5 p.m. If you wish to join in for dinner and conversation, RSVP 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..
Wednesday, August 21, the meditation period will be followed by Part 2 of a conversation with Ram Dass, Jack Kornfield, and Trudy Goodman Kornfield where the three Western spiritual leaders have an inspiring conversation about the power of love and acceptance. The video will be followed by a discussion period.
A yoga class is offered at The Heart of Awareness on Thursdays from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Mats and blocks are provided. In lieu of a fee for the class, the instructors request that participants make a 100-peso donation. Suitable for beginners and advanced students.
Registration is now open for a two-night residential meditation retreat September 17-19, at Santa Maria del Lago retreat center, 11 kilometers east of Chapala. DaeJa Napier will be the teacher in residence and will conduct the silent retreat.
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..">.
How to become a carpentry wizard
Exciting new adult woodworking classes will begin September 9 at Hammer School of Carpentry. All those interested should act now because the classes are limited to just six students.
Two different levels will be offered. Beginners will attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Intermediates attend on Mondays and Wednesdays, also from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Sessions last for eight weeks and cost 250 pesos per 90-minute class, which includes instruction and the use of all tools and materials.
Proceeds from the adult classes provide scholarships so Mexican children can learn a life skill in either carpentry or carving at Hammer.
The workshop classroom contains high-quality machinery, including bandsaws, table saws, lathes, sanders, jointers, planers, drill presses and more.
Projects created in the workshop can either be taken home or donated to the bazaar next door to benefit the children’s programs.
Hammer is also seeking experienced woodworkers to volunteer to help with classes.
Call or email Parke Sprag for more information and reservations at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 001-941-276-3233. Leave a voice message if there is no answer.
Have Hammer School of Carpentry is located next to S&S Auto at Carretera Chapala-Jocotepec 231-A, Riberas del Pilar.