Lakeside British Society

Cameron Peters from Operacion Amor will be the speaker at the next Lakeside British Society luncheon, Saturday, June 4, 1 p.m. at Manix Restaurant in Ajijic. 

Humane organizations agree that dog/cat sterilization is the only solution to animal overpopulation and the neglect, abuse and health issues it causes.

Menu choices for the luncheon include minestrone soup or green salad, steak pie, gravy or breaded parmesan chicken (both served with French fries and vegetables) or fettucini primavera. Dessert is berries with ice cream.

Call Sue, 766-0847, or Arlene, 766-1742, for reservations.

Open Circle

Luis Enrique Ramos, a local attorney at law and notary public, will present “Senderos y Caminos de México – Lakeside’s New System for Friendly Hiking” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, June 5, 10:30 a.m. in the Lake Chapala Society (LCS) garden. 

Ramos is a passionate hiker and founder of the not-for-profit organization Senderos y Caminos de México, which promotes the conservation and recovery of ancient indigenous paths known as “caminos reales” as a means to preserve cultural identity. Use of this trail system will educate both locals and visitors about the natural flora and fauna and at the same time offer new job opportunities for economic development. 

Activities of the organization include defining and implementing standards for marking the trails and offering options for safety and accident prevention while hiking. The organization has also designed a platform via their web site through which hikers can share information.  

See more information on Open Circle at opencircleajijic.org.

Lake Chapala Birders

On May 14, birders were encouraged to get outside and count as many bird species as they could find in one day, and enter their sightings on the eBird database. 

Globally, 16,000 people responded to this challenge, reporting 6,300 species. Around Lake Chapala 73 species were reported seen in the single day, while 203 species were identified throughout Jalisco. This is the area’s low season for birds, so these figures are much lower than the group’s Christmas bird count results.

Uncommon birds seen in May in the Oak Woods above San Pedro Itzican include a Common Black Hawk (one had previously been spotted at the Rio Verde to the north east of Lake Chapala), a Sulfur-bellied Flycatcher (spotted several years ago in lower Chula Vista), and a Sinaloa Wren that was observed building a nest in the shape of an upside-down “U” at the end of a tree branch.

A Yellow-winged Cacique was also spotted in both Riberas and near Mezcala. These are believed to be cage-escapees. This species is common at the coast, and their normal range does not include this area. 

Bird walks are open to all those interested in birds, both beginners and the experienced. Just bring binoculars and show up. The group always has knowledgeable birders on hand to identify a species. If you are being given a ride, please make a contribution to gas and tolls (50-100 pesos for a half day outing, 100-200 pesos for a day trip). 

Monday, June 6, the birders will meet at Donas Donuts at 8 a.m. to carpool, leaving immediately for the Rosa Amarilla Loop on the plateau above the south side of the lake (a 60-minute drive). Expect to see higher altitude and pasture birds such as Botteri’s Sparrow and Eastern Meadowlark. The group returns about 3 p.m. If you plan on going, email John Keeling at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ahead of time and let him know if you can bring a vehicle for the carpool.  

For more information on the Lake Chapala Birders, see ChapalaBirders.org.

More Red Cross fetes

Community support to sustain Cruz Roja Chapala continues through the series of limited-seating Food Giver fundraisers that are being held at private homes. Jan Lustig has signed up to throw a cocktail party on Monday, June 6, 6 p.m. A sit-down dinner will be hosted by Irma Hernández and Pepe Barajas on Saturday, June 18, 6 p.m. 

For tickets and event addresses, stop by Yoly’s Unisex Salon, Plaza Bugambilias, or call 766-2260. 

Buddhists

The Heart of Awareness Buddhist Sangha meets weekly on Wednesdays. Noble Silence begins 4 p.m., followed at 4:30 p.m. by a formal meditation period, dharma teachings and discussion. 

June 8, the teaching will be the second of a video series on “The Four Nourishments of Life: The Second Nutriment: Sense Impressions,” presented by Brother Phap Hai, a senior monastic disciple of Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh. 

The First Sunday Long Sit meets 9 a.m. to noon, June 5. Arrive by 8:50 a.m. to prepare for three rounds of 40 minutes sitting and 20 minutes walking meditation

The Dharma Movie Matinee on June 6, 3 p.m. is “Among White Clouds,” a journey into the hidden lives of China’s forgotten Zen Buddhist hermit tradition.

The Center is open for hour-long silent meditation periods on Sunday and Monday, June 5 and 6 from 9 to 10 a.m., and Thursday, June 9 from 11 a.m. to noon.  A drop-in practice/study group meets every Friday at 2:30 p.m.  All are welcome.

A yoga class suitable for all levels of experience is offered at Heart of Awareness on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m. A donation of 50 pesos is requested for the class.

The sangha’s location is at Guadalupe Victoria 101 in Ajijic. For more information on the community and scheduled activities, visit www.heartofawareness.org, or call Janet Reichert  at (376)766-6069.

LCS Bus Trips

The Lake Chapala Society is heading to the San Pedro Tlaquepaque crafts center, and the Forum Mall, on Wednesday, June 8.  The bus departs promptly 9 a.m. from the sculpture in La Floresta.

The trip on Wednesday, June 22 is to Guadalajara’s Galerias Mall. The bus departs 9:30 a.m. from the sculpture in La Floresta.

Cost for either trip is 300 pesos for LCS members, and 350 pesos for non-members.

Lakeside Singers

The Lakeside Singers will present a sing-a-long Wednesday, June 15, 4:30 p.m. at Casa Nostra retirement home, located at Santa Margarita 8 in Riberas del Pilar. Afterward, at about 6 p.m., the group will dine together at Pizzeria Toscana, Hidalgo 75 (on the Carretera) in Riberas del Pilar.

On Wednesday, June 29, the Singers head to La Paloma. Dinner will be at 6 p.m. at la Mision, Rio Bravo 7, Ajijic.

For those in need of a lift, Belva Velazquez will be at the Little Chapel by the Lake between 4 and 4:10 p.m. on both days.

Spanish classes

The Lake Chapala Society (LCS) has announced its next round of Introduction to Spanish language classes for its members. 

This is a casual class offered for the beginner that covers the Spanish alphabet, simple vocabulary and phrases to use about town for shopping, and other useful information about the area and Mexican culture. 

Classes are held each month starting the first Tuesday of the month and continue for three weeks. June classes start on Tuesday, June 7, and will be held at the LCS campus from noon until 1:30 p.m. 

Learning materials are provided, and the tuition for the classes is 175 pesos. Sign up is available at the LCS office during regular office hours, Monday through Saturday.