February 2 the day set aside each year to commemorate World Wetlands Day. The date marks the anniversary of 1971 adoption of the international convention on wetlands conservation, signed in the Iranian city of Ramsar.  

On February 2, 2009 Lake Chapala was officially designated as a Ramsar wetlands site, recognized for its values as a refuge for migratory birds, home to unique endemic species, a vital water source for the Guadalajara metro area and beneficial influence on Mexico’s climate.

And by a decree of Jalisco’s state congress issued in December of last year, February 2 has been also been declared as the Día Estatal del Lago de Chapala. The legislative initiative was proposed by District 17 congressman Jesús Palos Vaca, a former Jocotepec mayor Jocotepec who was seated as the sole Mexico Green Ecology Party representative in the state body. 

Palos tells this newspaper that in early in January the legislature instructed its Secretary General to issue notifications to the local governments of all seven lakeshore municipalities to encourage the organization of special activities, events, fairs or festivals in observance of the new state holiday.  It appears that neither Chapala nor any of the other municipalities have made plans to celebrate the occasion. 

Meanwhile, the comprehensive blueprint for Lake Chapala’s conservation, developed five years ago under Ramsar guidelines, seems to have been forgotten, left to gather dust somewhere in the depths of government bureaucracy. 

The annual sponsor/student gathering of the University Vocational Assistance (UVA) program saw 27 students and alumni and 20 supporters joining for an afternoon of food and fun designed as a treat for the students and to thank the sponsors and friends. 

The afternoon began with introductions and then those attending made origami credential card cases. The afternoon was studded with prizes and stories of successes, including the talk by former student Samantha Bity, who spoke to the group, giving her thoughts for achieving success in the university and moving on to the future workforce.

UVA is the oldest continuously functioning charity program at lakeside. In the group’s 40-year history they have assisted hundreds of students in their pursuit for a higher education.A unique feature of the program is the commitment to giving 100 percent of the donations for students to the students – any operating costs are handled by volunteers. Several years ago, UVA began extending support to program students all of the way through post grad and licensing procedures. To find out more about the program or to support a student contact Sue Torres at (376) 766-2932 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Cristina Baron at (376) 766-3574 or via 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..

Far from being an exaggeration, the inevitably enthusiastic pre-show publicity proved to be absolutely accurate and Chucho Lopez Big Band’s performances at the Auditorio on January 22 and 23, were absolutely superb. It was sheer magic to be able to witness top quality big band music right here in Ajijic.

An international benefit organ concert is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11 at 4:30 p.m. at San Andrés Church on Calle Marcos Castellanos in Ajijic. Neal Biggers will perform the same program of music in Ajijic as he recently presented at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Henderson, Kentucky. Biggers has been organist in many churches and has been director of liturgical and musical ministries at Holy Name for more than 12 years. 

The new ShowStoppers is coming! Yes, popular local choir Los Cantantes del Lago is gearing up to present its latest ‘ShowStoppers 10’ concert at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church on Sunday, February 15 at 4 p.m.

Opera lovers are in for a real treat when the Ópera de Cámara de Axixic appears Wednesday, February 4, at 6 p.m., at the Auditorio de la Ribera, La Floresta. The bill for the gala concert will feature masterpieces composed by Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Donizetti, Bizet, and Rossini performed by a company that boasts three talented young musicians from the lakeside area along with accomplished performers from Guadalajara.