Legion needs help
American Legion Post 7 is looking for volunteers to aid U.S. citizens trying to renew their passports. They could use people who can type, are internet savvy, have free time and their own transportation.
If you can help, call the Legion at 376-765-2259, and ask for Larry Notingam or Randy Butler or Bob Allen. Or send info to 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..
Lakeside Freethinkers
Terry Sanford, a retired computer programmer, has just rejoined the Lakeside Freethinkers and will give a presentation about the life of Christopher Hitchens, via Zoom December 16, 4 p.m. “Hitch”, as everyone called him, was a complex, brilliant, independent, controversial, writer and media star. He was also an unabashed atheist. He was a man who had read nearly everything and remembered it all. He could write without editing as fast as most others could read. He loved wine and was a heavy smoker. He died of esophageal cancer nine years ago.
The Lakeside Freethinkers have been meeting virtually for the past few months. If you would like to join their meeting, 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..
The Lakeside Freethinkers define a “freethinker” as a person who is 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.
Lake Chapala Birders
Each month, the members of Lake Chapala Birders record the species of birds in the area. This month John Keeling visited Tapalpa, Mazamitla and the Colima Volcano. Interesting sightings included brown pelicans on Lake Cajititlan, while purple gallinules and long-billed curlews were seen at the dike on the east end of Lake Chapala. On a hike in the oak forest above the Libramiento, white-eared hummingbirds and ten species of warblers were spotted, including a red-faced warbler. Nicola Cendron was able to photograph a brewer’s sparrow – a new species for Lake Chapala – near the Chapala pumping station.
The Ajijic Christmas bird count will be held Tuesday, December 15. Register by contacting Keeling at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 376-766-1801 or 331-091-2136. Give your name, phone, email, city of residence and donation preference (see below). Keeling will assign you to a team. A typical team might have a maximum of four or five people in two cars. Usual start time is 8 a.m. and counting normally continues until mid-day. Government protocols for Covid-19 control with small teams, compulsory masks and social distancing will be followed. This year there will not be a group dinner at the end of the day.
There is no fee for the count, but a donation towards the out-of-pocket costs of Chapala Birders — website hosting and newsletter mailing, which together cost 7,000 pesos per year — would be appreciated.
The Cienega Christmas bird count at the dike at the east end of the lake will be Thursday December 17. This will be a full-day affair leaving at 8 a.m. and returning at 6 p.m. Please let Keeling know if you are interested in joining.
Other Christmas bird counts near Chapala include the Primavera Forest count on December 18, and the Guadalajara count on December 20.
LCS classes
• Instructor Alfredo Perez will give a class to prepare for state driver’s license exams Wednesday, December 9, 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the South campus patio.
• “How the Mexican government works at its three levels, and what to do if being intimidated by the authorities,” will be given by María de las Nieves Solbes and Diego Solbes, Fridays, December 11 and 18, from noon to 1:30 p.m.
• “Mexican Manners” by Alfredo Pérez is offered Thursday, January 14, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
To register for these courses, see the LCS website or stop into the LCS office.
Army-Navy football
Kick-off for the Army-Navy football game is Saturday, December 12, 3 p.m. at American Legion Post 7 in Chapala. Tex-Mex tacos available, and margaritas all day for 20 pesos. You don’t need to be a member to enjoy this game.