Charity garage sale
A garage sale benefitting a Juanacatlan nursing home takes place Saturday and Sunday, January 11 and 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the home of Alfredo and Martha Aceves, Ocampo 180A (across from Hotel Danza del Sol) in Ajijic. For directions call 376-766-6058. Many household and crafts items will be on offer.
Open Circle
Yann Kostic presents “The best vision is insight” (Malcolm Forbes) at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, January 12, 10:30 a.m. to noon, on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
The bull market is officially the longest on record, but this does not stop skeptics from asking when will it end, and maybe more importantly, how badly. This leads to the question: how long will any other market stay strong? With the ever-changing U.S. political “Helter-Skelter,” to the United Kingdom’s “Never Ending Story,” Black Swans are lurking everywhere. Along with this financial market update, we will cover the three largest financial mistakes retirees make when establishing themselves in Mexico.
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
Oaxaca in Ajijic
Sunday, January 12, 6 p.m. a free workshop will be held on how to make globos de cantolla. The balloons will be on exhibition, before lifting off into the sky later in the evening. The workshop will be part of the cultural festival, “Oaxaca in Ajijic,” to be held January 10 to 22, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Crafts, gastronomy, music and dance from Oaxaca will be part of the program each day on the Ajijic plaza.
Spanish at LCS
Warren Hardy Spanish classes begin Monday, January 13 and meet two days a week for an hour and a half at the Wilkes Education Center in Ajijic.
A new approach to Spanish-language instruction, named Spanish in Action, is being introduced in 2020. The curriculum will be phased in term-by-term until it becomes the new standard. Several levels of instruction are available in both curricula, as students progress in the program. Textbooks are available at the LCS Office.
Information: Vivian Sternfield, 376-766-1140.
Democrats Abroad
The first 2020 monthly meeting of the Democrats Abroad Lake Chapala Chapter is Monday, January 13, 4 p.m. at La Bodega Restaurant.
The guest speaker will be Maureen Meyer, who will return via Skype to update everyone on security issues in Mexico. She is the director for Mexico and Migrant Affairs for WOLA (Washington Office on Latin America). WOLA is a leading American non-governmental research and advocacy organization advancing human rights in the Americas. WOLA’s Mexico program focuses on analyzing U.S.-Mexico security policies on organized crime violence, corruption and human rights violations in Mexico. It helps promote U.S. security assistance to Mexico through the Merida Initiative. Meyer also co-directs WOLA’s work on border security and promotion of greater protections for migrants in transit through Mexico and U.S. borderlands.
In addition, Meyer is a member of the Citizens’ Council of Mexico’s National Migration Institute (INM).
Meyer will talk on “Strengthening the rule of law in Mexico to tackle crime and violence.” Several high-profile acts of violence in Mexico have garnered national and international media attention, which, coupled with widespread impunity, have underscored the urgent need to consolidate Mexico’s justice institutions. Regrettably, few homicide cases end in a conviction, as many crime victims in Mexico opt not to report them, often due to mistrust in the authorities. Sweeping constitutional reforms mandating the nationwide adoption of an adversarial criminal justice system were therefore adopted in 2008. In recent years, the United States, through its Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided over US$400 million to help support these efforts. However, Mexico continues to face significant challenges to make its justice institutions more transparent, efficient, fair and rights-respecting.
Meyer’s discussion will review the current state of the reforms in Mexico and prospects for strengthening the rule of law under President Andres Manuel López Obrador. She will also highlight some promising state-level experiences that could serve as an example to substantially improve criminal investigations in the country. Chapter members, newcomers to Lakeside and visitors are encouraged to come and learn more about U.S.-Mexico security and border issues. 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..
Kundalini Yoga
Feed your soul, awaken your mind, eliminate stress and perfect your posture. Kundalini Yoga is offered every Monday from 4 to 5:30 pm. at the Centro Cultural de Ajjic. Bring a yoga mat or towel. No experience needed.
TED Talks
The next Ted Talk is Tuesday, January 14, noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Lake Chapala Society Sala, when journalist Carole Cadwalladr will present “Facebook’s role in Brexit – and the threat to democracy.” Open to LCS members only.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or order online at programaninos.com. Reserved tickets can be picked up and paid for at The Spotlight Club daily from 2 to 5 p.m. through January 17." class="caption" width="287" height="593" style="float: right;" />
Cadwalladr digs into one of the most perplexing events in recent times: the UK’s super-close 2016 vote to leave the European Union. Tracking the result to a barrage of misleading Facebook ads targeted at vulnerable Brexit swing voters – and linking the same players and tactics to the 2016 U.S. presidential election – Cadwalladr calls out the “gods of Silicon Valley” for being on the wrong side of history and asks: Are free and fair elections a thing of the past?
Conexiones Entre Amigos
The next edition of this monthly networking event will be held at the Lake Chapala Society Tuesday, January 14, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Canadian Consul Lewis Coughlin and the medical director of Chapala Med and the Riberas Medical Center will be the guests. Entrance is free.
Progressive Action Group
The Progressive Action Group holds an organizational meeting to discuss 2020 actions and the future of the group Tuesday, January 14, 3 p.m. at Casa Linda, Rio Bravo 7, Ajijic. Plan to attend if you are interested in the group and want to influence its future.
The Progressive Action Group is a gathering of like-minded people looking for progressive solutions to political problems. Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; facebook/progressive action group.
Hot Science at LCS
Lake Chapala Society members can get the lowdown on new science, technology and medical news each Tuesday in the LCS Sala, 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.
Topics for January 14: An elegy for cash: the technology we might never replace. Cash is gradually dying out. Will we ever have a digital alternative that offers the same mix of convenience and freedom? Mind Control for the Masses – No Implant Needed. A wave of startups wants to make brain-computer interfaces accessible without needing surgery. Just strap on the device and think.
Moderated by Fred Harland and presented by Silicon Valley guy Richard Clarke.
Lakeside Freethinkers
There are about 20,000 different religions in the world and the one thing they all have in common is that they were all created by humans. At the next meeting of the Lakeside Freethinkers, Wednesday, January 15, 4 p.m. at Casa Linda, humanism will be discussed – its principles and evolution. Casa Linda is at Rio Bravo 8 in Ajijic. Dinner and additional discussion usually follow.
The Lakeside Freethinkers define a “freethinker” as a person who as an atheist, agnostic, secular humanist, or skeptic. They believe that individuals should not accept ideas proposed as truth without recourse to knowledge and reason. They reject belief in the supernatural and rely on science and reason to guide their lives.
If you would like to attend, or obtain additional information, 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..
Bridge lessons
Catherine Gonzales holds supervised bridge lessons at the Lake Chapala Duplicate Bridge Club every Wednesday, 1:30 to 4 p.m. For more information, email her 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..
LCS courses
LCS members can take advantage of a variety of courses and seminars.
• Recognizing Counterfeit Bills and the ins and outs of Mexican Banking for non-Mexicans will be presented by Karely Castro from HSBC bank, Thursday, January 16, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• Mexican Manners with Alfredo Pérez. Learn about behavior, punctuality, tipping, body language and more, Friday, January 17, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Holy Mole! with Ana Moreno. Learn about the origins and variations of mole and how to prepare three types. Thursday, January 23, 10 a.m. to noon.
• Street Spanish with Alfredo Pérez. Learn how the locals communicate among themselves. Thursday, January 30, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Check the LCS office or website for costs and to sign up.
LCS bus trips
January 16, LCS heads to Galerias Mall and Costco in Guadalajara. January 23 the bus heads to downtown Guadalajara.
Check the LCS office or website to sign up and learn the departure times and cost of the trip. Registration and payment can now be made online at lakechapalasociety.com.
Essentials of Elderhood
Richard Clarke, in conjunction with the Lakeside Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, will offer a free six-week course on the Essential of Elderhood Mondays, January 13 to February 17, 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Fellowship, Carretera 261 in Riberas del Pilar.
This course gives you a way to approach this stage of your life so you can thrive,” says Clarke.
The course is open to anyone and especially recommended for the newly retired.
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register, or call Richard at 376-765-6976.
Trivia Quiz
The Niños Incapacitados quiz is back this year at the Hotel Real de Chapala in Ajijic, Tuesday, January 14. Make your teams of eight (or partial teams) before registering for a table, but don’t wait too long, as this is one of the area’s favorite events. Quizzes are offered at two sessions: 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The cost per person is 400 pesos.
Confirm your reservations with Peter Howarth at 331-186-2314 or via email 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.. Pay for and pick up your tickets with Howarth at the Spotlight Club, Monday to Friday, 2 to 5 p.m. no later than Thursday, January 9.
Tech classes at LCS
Michael Goss teaches tech classes Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m. for LCS members.
Sign up for classes by email 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..
• January 16, cell phone cameras.
• January 23, Google photos.
• January 30, Google photos advanced.
Every Thursday, noon to 2 p.m., Technical Help Desk for phones, laptops, tablets, TV questions, cell phone operations, email and everything tech.
Birders
Friday, January 17, the Lakeside Birders will meet at 8 a.m. to walk the one-mile long Allen Lloyd Trail which has lots of underbrush in which birds love to hide. Expect to see stripe-headed sparrow and groove-billed ani and possibly hear the happy wren. At about 10:15 a.m. the group will head to Cafe Negro restaurant for breakfast and to complete the bird list.
To get to 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.
Lake Chapala Birders is an informal group of bird observers led by John and Rosemary Keeling. Information: chapalabirders.org.
Wine Tasting
A wine tasting event put on by the Rotary Club of Ajijic to benefit the Instituto Tecnologico in Chapala will be held Saturday, January 18 at Libramiento Chapala Ajijic 200. Doors open 5:30 p.m., wine tasting begins 6 p.m. appetizers and entertainment are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are 500 pesos include the tasting. Wine and tequila will be for sale after the 7:30 p.m. tasting.
Contact Bill Dejardin, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for tickets and more information.
Abbeyfield Meeting
The board of directors of Lissa’s Legacy, A.C. has extended an open invitation to an introductory meeting to be held Monday, January 20, noon, at La Nueva Posada, Donato Guerra 9, Ajijic.
The non-profit civil association, originally known as Casas Cariñosas, operated the Abbeyfield senior citizen housing compound from 2006 to 2018. Board members will outline the organization’s current goals to support and finance the social projects of other non-profits that aim to improve living conditions in the area’s most impoverished communities. All interested persons are welcome to attend.
Population control
Spay-Ghetti No Balls, a fundraiser for the Jocotepec spay and neuter clinic, is Saturday, January 25, 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fraccionamiento Raquet Club in San Juan Cosala. The event features an all-you-can-eat spayghetti dinner, live music, an auction, prizes and a cash bar. Tickets, 350 pesos, are available at Diane Pearl, It’s Kinda Bazaar in Riberas del Pilar or at the Raquet Club office. 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..
Chili Cookoff
Cooks for the “Best of Lakeside” chili, margaritas and salsas are wanted for the 42nd annual Mexican National Chili Cookoff, to be held Friday, February 7 to Sunday, February 9, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Tobolandia water park. Prizes are 1,000, 750 and 500 pesos.
The Chili Cookoff is one of Ajijic’s biggest and best parties of the year and includes non-stop entertainment. The Cook-off is an important fundraiser for nine area charities, raising hundreds of thousands of pesos each year.
To enter competitions, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Cookoff President Jacque Bourchard at 376-766-4350. The Cookoff is also looking for volunteers. If you want to help out, contact Sandra at 376-765-6329 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..
Insight Meditation
The Heart of Awareness (HOA) meditation center offers meditation sessions Sunday at 9 a.m., Monday at 7 p.m., Wednesday at 4 p.m. and Thursday at 11 a.m. All 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. There are no fees for practice opportunities, but donations are always welcome.
Wednesday, January 15 the meditation period will be followed by a reading from “Insight Meditation: The Practice of Freedom” by Joseph Goldstein. This week, we consider a topic from the section “How to Practice” titled “Acceptance.”
A yoga class is offered on Thursdays from 9-10:45 a.m. Mats and blocks are provided. The class is suitable for students at all levels, from beginners to advanced.
The HOA center is at Guadalupe Victoria 101. Information: heartofawareness.org.