Open Circle
Yann Kostic presents “The State of Financial Markets” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, January 16, 10:30 a.m. at the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
“Capital markets are near all-time highs” sounds like a broken record, doesn’t it?
Kostic will explore why that is so, and look at what is in store for 2022: how central banks (interest rates and inflation), geopolitics (Vladimir and Xi), Omicron and Pi (the next Covid variant?) will shape this coming year and influence your investments.
Finally, Kostic will visit the world of Cryptos and see if the obscene returns generated so far fit your profile and are worth the risks to your portfolio (without losing sleep over it).
Yann Kostic. M.B.A. has been an investment advisor-money manager for 20 years, and has lived in Ajijic since 2015. This is his fifth Open Circle presentation.
January 23, the presentation by David Morales will be “Strategic Targeted Outreach Program (S.T.O.P), U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.”
Democrats Abroad
The Democrats Abroad-Lake Chapala chapter is sponsoring a free Zoom presentation, titled “Protecting Democracy: The Real State of U.S. Democracy and How to Protect our Birthright,” on Monday, January 17, 4 p.m.
The guest speaker is David Ellison, a local historian and long-time educator, who will focus on the five criteria for democracy—and how fragile it can be. He will also include a brief case study of Germany’s Weimar Republic. In addition, Ellison will lead a lively discussion on key 2022 strategies to fight for U.S. voting rights and other democracy-boosting protections.
Ellison has been an activist and columnist during his 36-year career as an educator, and is also an author.
He was honored as Teacher of the Year in 1996.
To register for the presentation, 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..
Lakeside Freethinkers
The next meeting of the Lakeside Freethinkers will discuss the question, “Which side must bear the burden of proof in debates between theists and atheists?” This Zoom meeting is Wednesday, January 19, 4 p.m.
For information about the meeting or the Lakeside Freethinkers, contact 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 identifies himself or herself as an atheist, agnostic, secular humanist, or skeptic. They reject belief in the supernatural and rely on science and reason to guide their lives.
Chapala Birders
Wednesday, January 19, the Lake Chapala Birders will meet at 8 a.m. at the sculpture in La Floresta on the highway, departing immediately for Villa Corona on Lake Atotonilco (a 60-minute drive). Expect to see various shore birds such as white-faced ibis and roseate spoonbill. Bring your own mid-morning refreshments. There will be a break for snacking at 11 a.m. The group will return to Ajijic by about 1:30 p.m., depending on lakeshore traffic. Reserve at least two days ahead of the trip 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..
Bird-walks are open to all those interested in birds, both beginners and experienced birders. Just bring binoculars. There are always knowledgeable birders on hand to identify the species. Protocols for masks and social distancing will apply, including within vehicles.
For more information, see chapalabirders.org.
Health services at LCS
• The Chapala Cruz Roja has returned to the Lake Chapala Society, Tuesdays, noon to 1:30 p.m. and Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon. Drop by the Cruz Roja table at the Blue Umbrella Patio inside LCS. You can purchase the Cruz Roja emergency medical information kits in a bottle, face masks, hand sanitizer, notepads, and mini first aid kits.
• Diabetes Support Group meets the first Friday of the month, 11 a.m. to noon via Zoom. Contact Kim Welch, 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..
• Hospital San Antonio gives information on available services and blood pressure service at the Blue Umbrella Patio, Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon.
• Claravision Optometrist is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment only. Contact Dr. Luz Zepeda, 331-411-1178.
• Skin cancer screening is available the second and fourth Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon by appointment only. Call 333-408-0951 for more information.
• Shiatsu chair massages (10 minutes) for LCS members only the first and third Thursdays of the month, from 10 a.m. to noon. Appointments required. Call David, 331-604-0971 or 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..
ANAVETS Aloha
ANAVETS (Army, Navy and Airforce Veterans in Canada) Mexico Unit 19 will hold an Aloha fiesta Thursday, January 20, at Mama’s Musical Bar in San Antonio Tlayacapan. Enjoy Hawaiian style pulled pork with all the fixings, music by the Charlie Cook Band and a Spam-Off cooking competition. Cocktails at noon, dinner at 1 p.m. All members receive a free drink. Tickets, 300 pesos, are available at the Music Bar or vial 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..
Celebrate the bard
The annual Rabbie Burns Supper, held as a fundraiser for Niños Incapacitados, is on again—although virtually and at home. Enjoy a wonderful night of food and entertainment, Tuesday, January 25. Videos of the local Scottish dancers and interviews and toasts from people you may recognize will be streamed to ticket holders for this “at home” Burns Supper. Chef Alex Sgroi will prepare a delicious turkey dinner and more. With each meal, a wee bottle of Scotch, a shot glass and more are included. Tickets, 700 pesos for the meal and entertainment and 300 pesos for the entertainment only, will include a lucky draw for a 75-ml bottle of Ballantine’s 12-year-old Scotch. Deadline to register online is January 16. Information: programaninos.com.