Pet love
Operación Amor sterilizes animals in the communities surrounding Lake Chapala. A supporter recently offered to match all donations received by February 28 up to 25,000 pesos.
According to Operación Amor, their costs have increased by 25 percent in the last few months. That could put as many as 16,000 more cats and dogs on the street in the next two years (based on 2020 sterilizations), they say.
With an extra 50,000 pesos they can prevent some 33,800 homeless dogs and cats in the next three years. To donate go to Foundation for Lake Chapala Charities at www.lakechapalacharities.org/donate; or via paypal at www.bit.ly/OperacionAmor; or they will pick up cash donations if you 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..
Food love
FoodBank Lakeside will send a special eCard from you to your Valentine for a donation. Give a gift from the heart at www.foodbanklakeside.org/gift-from-the-heart.
Lakeside Freethinkers
The next virtual meeting of the Lakeside Freethinkers is Wednesday, February 17, 4 p.m. “Atheism 2.0.,” a TED Talk by Alain de Botton, is based on his book, “Religion for Atheists: A Non-believer’s Guide to the Uses of Religion.” Botton suggests a “religion for atheists” that incorporates religious forms and traditions to satisfy our human need for connection, ritual and transcendence. A lively discussion is sure to follow.
The Lakeside Freethinkers have been meeting virtually for the past year. To join their meeting to watch this TED Talk, or for 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.
Bird walks
Reduced-size bird walks with the Lake Chapala Birders must now be reserved by email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) ahead of time. Masks must be worn and social distancing will be required. There will be no group breakfast at the end of the walk. Maximum attendance will be ten people. Reserve a space by email at least 48 hours ahead of each bird walk.
Wednesday, February 17, the group meets 8:15 a.m. at the entrance to Cristiania Park in Chapala and will bird for about two hours. You should see an interesting selection of species in the park trees and on the shore of the lake. How to get there: From Ajijic go to the traffic light at the main street of Chapala (Av. Madero), cross straight over and keep going straight for five blocks, turn left at the T intersection and park on the right.
Friday, February 26, the group meets 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 hear the happy wren. How 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, next to the new hospital.
More pet love
Lucky Dog Rescue & Adoption Center seeks volunteer dog walkers.
Lucky Dog is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and adoption of abandoned and abused dogs. The shelter is located on the highway to Mezcala, a short distance before the entrance to Santa Cruz de la Soledad.
Contact 331-300-7144 or via FB messenger at luckydoglakechapala.com.
Live music this weekend
FRIDAY: Juan Castañon and David Perez play Jazz at Huerto Café in Riberas del Pilar, 11:30 a.m.
Black Sapphire plays jazz at Niisa’s Restaurant and Bakery, on the highway in West Ajijic, 1:30 p.m.
Traficantes del Ritmo play rock and Latin jam at the Iron Horse Saloon, 6 p.m.
Flashback and Band SkyBar rock out at El BarCo, 2:30 p.m.
Old Souls play Scallion Ajijic Bistro, 6:30 p.m.
Bossa Nova Latin Jazz and Blues at Alex Pasta Bar, 6 p.m.
SATURDAY: Sopa de Piedra Band plays El BarCo, 9 p.m.
The Gentlemen’s play the Iron Horse Saloon.
Sagrey performs at Casa Domenche, 6:30 p.m.
SUNDAY: Black Sapphire is on at La Bodega Ajijic, 11:30 a.m.
Mike Fortier and Thomas Banks entertain at Oui Oui, noon.
Brendan & James play two special concerts at the Lake Chapala Society, 2 and 4:30 p.m.
Daniel Cordero is unplugged at the Iron Horse Saloon, 3 p.m.
Mike and the Suspects perform at El BarCo, 5 p.m.
Gary Lanz Band performs dance tunes at Scallion Ajijic Bistro, 6:30 p.m.
Old Souls plays Camaleon Bar, Constitucion 29 in Ajijic, 7 p.m.
Diana Terry and her group plays at Hacienda del Lago, 7 p.m.