Open Circle
Historian Michael Hogan returns to Open Circle at the Lake Chapala Society in Ajijic Sunday, April 3, to present “The American Legion of Honor in Mexico.”
In 1862, the French invaded Mexico, overthrew the republican government, and imposed Maximilian as Emperor. The U.S., busy with its own Civil War, could not provide much in overt help. But by 1865, many Civil War veterans joined the Mexicans and managed to force Napoleon III’s armies to withdraw and helped restore the Republic of Mexico. The little-known story of this group’s action in Mexico has never been told in any popular history and is filled with exciting events such as the participation of Black veterans, the dramatic rescue of President Benito Juarez, and the execution of Maximilian.
Hogan will draw parallels with contemporary events in the Ukraine and that earlier invasion in our own hemisphere. The similarities are chilling. A dictatorial leader determining to extend an empire. Frustration at initial losses resulting in an increased military response. Deaths of civilians in large numbers and reprisals against leaders. Military aid from the United States, and ultimate victory. With a caveat, however. The seeds of further violence were sown and re-surfaced three decades later. Will history repeat itself?
Hogan is a historian and the author of 27 books, including “The Irish Soldiers of Mexico,” which was the inspiration for two major documentaries and a feature film starring Tom Berenger. He is a former professor of International Relations at the Autonomous University of Guadalajara, and Emeritus Humanities Chair of the American School Foundation of Guadalajara.
Dance lessons
Danzon lessons by Armando on the Ajijic Plaza are now every Sunday from 5 to 6 p.m. and freestyle dancing to a variety of music from 6 to 9 p.m. 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..
ANAVETS
Anavets, the Canadian veterans’ organization at Lakeside, holds a 1950s Sock Hop Thursday, April 7. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed for the theme. “The Crooners” will be playing, and there is a rumor that Elvis may be in the building.
Tickets, 250 pesos, are available at Mama’s and 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..
Doggy Easter bunnies
Bring your dogs to Mel’s Social club and celebrate Yappy Easter with Bone Voyage Dog Rescue Saturday, April 16, noon to 3 p.m. The pups and their owners will enjoy an Easter treat hunt, fabulous raffle prizes, an Easter print photo, paw print art, use of the pool (sorry, humans only!) pickle ball, air hockey, peer pong, corn toss or foosball. Food and drink at special prices. 600 pesos for one or two dogs. All event fees support Bone Voyage. Zaragoza 44 in Ajijic. 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..
Earth Day fest
Conexión Ambiental presents Earth Day 2022 festival in the Ajijic Plaza. Friday, April 22, 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, April 23 and 24, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Over 20 environmental organizations, speakers and presentations. Much to learn about your local environment.
LCS fashion show
A fashion show to benefit the Lake Chapala Society is April 27, 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the LCS garden. The show will feature one-of-a-kind designs of Alma Gutierrez. Appetizers and a cash bar will be available. Tickets, 300 pesos, are available at the LCS website or offices.
LCS classes
The Lake Chapala Society offers members many classes to make their lives at Lakeside more enjoyable and informed. Sign up either at the LCS office or online at the LCS website.
• Loretta Downs presents a course on Advance Care Planning Workshop on Living Well and Dying Well in Lakeside April 20 and 27, 10 a.m. to noon at the gazebo. This two-part workshop gives you information on Mexican healthcare directives, wills and the LCS document, along with guidance and motivation to complete and register your document as part of your total advance care planning process.
• Nieves and Diego Solbes present Wills and Testaments in Mexico, Do I Need One? April 29 and May 6, 2 to 3 p.m. at the Ken Gosh Pavilion.
• Max Dominguez, the food and beverage manager at Hotsson Smart Chapala Hotel, gives a seminar on tequila cocktails, May 3, 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Hotsson Smart Chapala Hotel. Transportation to and from the hotel and a recipe booklet are included. Enrollment ends Thursday, April 28.
Recycle
Jocotepec will take your used, abused and useless electronic items for recycling at its Delegación offices and the Marcos Castellanos auditorium. From cellphones to refrigerators, they’ll accept it all.
Chapala is recycling paper: books, newspapers, magazines, notebooks, flyers, posters, tickets, etc. Drop off at the Ecology Department offices (City Hall office annex) at Niños Heroes 69, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also, used batteries can be dropped off at all of the municipality’s Delegación offices.