There’s just no better way to jumpstart a surge of the pure magic of Mexico than taking time to enjoy the array of pastel blooming trees that accompany this week’s first day of spring.
The only way it could get any better is to find a spot and gaze at those flowering branches framed against the bluest of these glorious March skies.
Of course not everyone is thrilled with the beauty of the spring trees. That’s normal, I suppose. Some folks are never happy, no matter what. Back in the Midwest we used to joke that they’re the folks that would grumble even if we hung them with the new rope.
Spring allergies seem to be the naysayers biggest gripes as many expats double down on allergy remedies. While the Easter egg-colored blooming trees are blamed for the itching eyes, sniffles and sneezes, a bit of research proves that the source of the allergens are more likely the the less-showy but pollen laden avocado and mango trees. Those nasty bouts of allergies could even be caused by the dust settling from the gusty March winds that kick up most evenings.
I happily swallow my daily dose of sneeze-preventatives, grab a box of tissues and then drive up and down the streets in La Floresta looking for the lawns covered with the tiny violet jacaranda petals. It looks like nature’s confetti and it pleases my soul … until I hear folks grousing about the problems of “those trees” and “all that mess and purple trash.”
That’s when I want to quote to them a bit from the book, “The Color Purple.” Alice Walker wrote, “I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.”
Rather than threaten them with the new hanging rope, I think this year I’ll just do my best to ignore the complainers. Maybe I’ll just take a deep breath of that fresh spring breeze and spread a picnic blanket right in the middle of a whole lawn full of “purple trash.”
Color Ajijic
Speaking of lakeside’s spring color, Ajijic entrepreneur and cross-cultural event innovator Diane Pearl is reminding us that coloring of another type is not just for tiny tots anymore. Color Ajijic, the third of Pearl’s community projects to bring expats and Mexicans, adults and children together and having fun while being creative, is all about crayons and coloring sheets.
All comers to Ajijic’s plaza from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, will select from among 40 different free coloring pages and then be invited to join in applying hues and shades, both inside and outside of the lines. Pearl and her team of helpers will sell packets of additional coloring pages for adults or for kids, with proceeds underwriting the costs of Color Ajijic and rolled over into new events to host more creative events. Pearl’s earlier outings saw the plaza awash with teams carving pumpkins, and children decorating holiday cookies.
Chefs under the Stars
Nine of Lakeside’s leading culinary masters prepared a sampling of gourmet specialties for guests attending the March 3 Chefs under the Stars gala benefit for the School for Special Needs Children. Among the cooking pros contributing to the menu were (Left to right:) Omar Castro (Roberto’s Restaurant), Christian Militello (Christian’s Catering), David Abadia (Tabarka), Ismat Twani (Gossip’s Kitchen), Leslie Martin (Leslie’s Express Gourmet), Pedro Palmer (Go Restaurant) and David Ng’ang’a (Number Four). Absent for the photo op were Ricardo Laredo (Ajijic Tango) and Oscar Pérez (El Jardin de Ninette).
St. Patrick Meets Tepehua
The folks at American Legion Post 9 always plan clever events. Saturday, March 15, they are serving a pair of iconic St. Patrick’s Day dishes to bolster the budget at the Tepehua Community Center – the core of activity in a poor Chapala neighborhood.
Tickets at 200 pesos entitle diners to a feast of corned beef and cabbage with carrots and potatoes or a plate of Irish stew with vegetables, an appetizer and desert. The luck of the Irish comes into play when it’s time for the door prize drawings.
Tickets are sold at Diane Pearl Colecciones, Tepehua Treasures and O & A Investments. The remaining tickets will be available at the door.
GMOs Documentary
The acclaimed documentary, “The World According to Monsanto,” will be shown Sunday, March 16, 1:30 p.m. as part of the Sunday Afternoon at the Movies series sponsored by the Lake Chapala Chapter of Democrats Abroad Mexico.
The film’s producers spent three years researching Monsanto’s work with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Detailed, personal interviews with scientists, politicians and “victims” of genetically modified food products are included in the film.
Net proceeds are used to support the sponsoring organization’s voter registration and voter assistance programs for expats living in this area.
Tickets are 50 pesos each and available at the box office of Cinemas del Lago, in Ajijic’s Plaza Bugambilias. The public is welcome. For information contact David Fields at (376) 766-1658 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Lakeside expat runs strong
Lakeside expat Graciela Estrada (right) placed third in the regional cross-country 2K Masters (over age 35) race held recently in Guadalajara. While she normally runs 1500 meters in track and field events against other women in the 70-75 age group, this event, which took her over hill and dale and out of her comfort zone, qualified her for the Mexican national cross-country competition on Sunday, March 16 in Aguascalientes.
TED Seminar Podcasts
Pioneering surgeon Susan Lim will be featured via TED Internet podcast: “Transplant Cells, Not Organs” during the Tuesday, March 18, Lake Chapala Society (LCS) seminar from noon to 1:15 p.m. The meeting, open to LCS members, will be chaired by Fred Harland. Moral concerns with transplants and donors led Lim, who performed the first liver transplant in Asia, to consider transplanting just the cells. At the depicted INK Conference, she explains her new research, which has led her to discover healing cells in some surprising places.
“Seven Deadly Sins: Then and Now” by Karl Homann will be the presentation for the 2 p.m. lecture. Homan considers the biblical and literary origins in the Book of Genesis and the medieval literature of “Piers Plowman,” “Fairie Queene,” and “Divine Comedy” and modern-day institutionalized pride, greed and lust. This subject can range from Adam to Justin Bieber, from Cain to Oscar Pistorius, from the King of Persia to Bernie Madoff, from Susannah and the elders to Silvio Berlusconi (former Italian prime minister).
The History Club
The Wednesday, March 19, meeting of the Lake Chapala Society History Club will include the program, “The Tragic Death of Carl Sagan.” All are welcome to attend the 2 p.m. meetings on the society grounds. Members discuss matters of history and science. LCS membership is not required for admission.
The Lakeside Freethinkers
The members of the Lakeside Freethinkers, who reject religious beliefs and rely upon science and reason to guide their lives, will meet Wednesday, March 19. Hank Shiver, an authority on all matters Biblical, will introduce a little-known, or perhaps previously unknown, apostle: “The Apostle Frankenstein.” This promises to be a very interesting topic, likely to spark lively discussion including other matters of interest to the members who will dine together at the conclusion of the meal.
For information about the meeting, email Ken Crosby: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before Monday, March 17.
Laura Goeglein turns 96
Neighbors joined Laura Goeglein (right) in celebrating her 96th birthday at La Nueva Posada on Saturday, March 1. The following day Luis Enrique and Magarita Ramos and Hans and Gabriela Aull hosted a second party at La Vita Bella. Goeglein pursued a variety of vocations in Germany, Canada, France, the United States, and Iran before moving to lakeside in 1981. An accomplished painter, her current passion is learning to play bridge.
Pet Food Drive
The monthly pet food drive will be on Thursday, March 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Shelter Store. Those unable to attend the food drive are invited to make a pet food donation to a favorite animal shelter at any time. Purchases at the Shelter Store help the cats in the shelter as well as well as Anita’s Animals, and other animal rescue groups.
At the time of donation purchases, alert the clerk of the rescue group which is to receive the food; the shelter will hold donations for that group. After the purchase, please contact the rescue group to let them know a donation is at the Shelter Store to be picked up. The pet food drive occurs on the third Thursday of each month due to the continued support of Geoffrey Kaye of the Cat Animal Shelter, and the Animal Buddies who help in the store during the pet food drives.
Fashion Show Deadline
Friday, March 21 will be the last day to pick up tickets for the Over the Rainbow Fashion Show Luncheon. The fund-raiser for the Villa Infantil Orphanage takes place Saturday, March 29 at Las Caballerizas Restaurant adjoining the Raquet Club in San Juan Cosalá.
The mouth-watering menu will start off with fruit salad and nachos, followed by grilled chicken breast with lemon herb sauce, roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables, with cupcakes by Dixie Vaughns served for dessert.
Several children from the home have been selected to be among the models walking the runway to showcase clothing from Cugini’s Opus Boutique.
As the clock ticks away, tickets going for 250 pesos remain on sale at Opus, Diane Pearl Colecciones and Mia’s Boutique. Donations of pantry goods for the orphanage will be requested at the gate. An itemized shopping list is posted on the link found at the bottom of the homepage www.friendsofvillainfantil.org.
Mexican Fair at ITS
Chapala’s ITS Technical Institute will recreate the lively atmosphere of a traditional Mexican village fair during the 5 p.m. Gran Kermesse and Feria on Friday, March 21.
Set in the school’s Robert Kleffel Auditorium, the event, which helps support low income students, will feature live entertainment by the Orquesta Típica de Chapala, various local singers and dancers, an exhibition of rebozos (shawls) and a fashion parade of tee-shirts designed by local artists. There will be a variety of typical fun and games, a silent auction and food stands offering hamburgers, hot dogs and classic antojitos mexicanos (snacks).
Admission at the door is set at 50 pesos per person. The ITS campus is located on the Libramiento (Chapala by-pass). Ample secure parking is available on the grounds.
Rock n’ Blues Gala Dinner
Volunteers of lakeside’s Niños de Chapala and Ajijic (NCA) are hosting a Rock n’ Blues Gala Dinner on Saturday, March 29, to ensure they have the funds needed to keep nearly 250 young Mexicans in school. These primary through university students need the financial assistance of the group, they do their part by maintaining at least an 80 percent grade point.
Mike and the Suspects, who play to sold-out Friday crowds at Adelita’s in San Antonio Tlayacapan, will provide the rock ‘n’ blues music for the elegant afternoon and evening of gourmet food and dancing at the recently refurbished Hotel Montecarlo in Chapala.
How can you go wrong with an event featuring great music, lovely location, a menu that includes chicken, vegetarian lasagna and a Surf ‘n Turf (filet mignon stuffed with shrimp), ample well-lit parking, a 50/50 raffle, a 4 p.m. start time, and that rare commodity -- wheelchair access.
Tickets are 350 pesos each, and available at Los Niños,Bazar in Riberas, across from the 7/11 or from Doug (33) 1069-0084, Nancy (376) 766-0848, Shannon (387) 763-5145 or Amy (376) 765-5454.
Clowns with a Mission
Edgar Cárdenas, a puppeteer and clown since 2001, will headline a clown show for lakeside children on Sunday March 30. Tickets for the 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. performances at the Auditorio de la Ribera in La Floresta are very reasonably priced at 40 pesos for children up to the age of 12 and 60 pesos for adults.
Tickets can be reserved at www.ninos-events.com or by emailing Rich Petersen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Plan to buy tickets for the children you know while love this show of laughs and giggles. All proceeds will go to Niños Incapacitados del Lago.
LCS Bus Trips
The next Lake Chapala Society Guadalajara shopping trip to Galerias Mall is scheduled for Thursday, April 10. Galerias Mall and the adjoining areas include a variety of shopping areas including Liverpool, Sears, Best Buy, Zara, Sephora, Costco, Sams, Mega, etc.
The bus leaves from the La Floresta sculpture at 9:30 a.m. and returns at 4 p.m. Shoppers can sign up for the trip at the LCS from Monday to Friday, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The cost is 250 pesos per passenger.
LCS shoppers need to mark their calendars now to reserve space for the upcoming bus trip to McAllen, Texas. The group will leave lakeside on Sunday, May 4 and return on Thursday morning, May 8.
The price of the trip includes the round trip fare on the deluxe bus, three nights at the Hampton Inn, and breakfast on three mornings, bus transportation to all McAllen shopping areas and tips for the two drivers to and from McAllen. Due to the new tax, the price is 7,000 pesos (527 dollars) per person for a double room or 8,700 pesos (655 dollars) for a single room.
There is a non-refundable 1,000-peso deposit. Those interested should sign up at the LCS as soon as possible so that bus and hotel reservations can be made early. For more information, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Open Circle
The Open Circle meeting on Sunday, March 15 will feature a presentation by Andrea Holme Buenzli reflecting on Louise Hay and her work. Hay built a publishing empire following the success of her book, “You can Heal Your Life,” which recounts the tools she developed to overcome her own abusive childhood. At age 81, a “New Yorker” reporter named her the queen of New Age.
In over 40 years in the classroom, Buenzli, who has degrees in education and human behavior, noticed that students and parents frequently fulfilled the beliefs they held about themselves. In new age thinking she discovered and liked the idea that life was determined by an individual’s choices – thoughts that were reinforced the Louise Hay “Heal Your Life” training Buenzli completed to become a licensed workshop/seminar leader in the Hay philosophy.
Weekly Open Circle gatherings in the rear Neill James Patio at the LCS campus start with socializing at 10 a.m. with coffee, tea and sandwich bites, followed by the program at 10:30 a.m.
Center for Spiritual Living
“Fear to Faith -- Transform your Life” is the topic of the 5 p.m. Center for Spiritual Living celebration service on Friday, March 21. A social hour follows the service..
Practicing Compassionate Communication continues on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon through April 16. Learn to have satisfactory conversations with friends, partners, family, and deal with difficult people in a mindful and empathetic way.
The Thursday discussion group is sharing the book, “A Thousand Names for Joy” by Byron Katie. The program begins at 10 a.m. with an optional meditation followed by 10:30 a.m. to noon group meeting.
Coming in April and May is a course entitled “Building Healthy Relationships,” in which participants learn to develop fun and playful connections with others, and apply practical approaches to relationship problems. Co-leaders Tim and Arlene Schubert will ensure the Tusday classes provide a non-judgmental space for this exploration. Email for information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Spanish Language Group discussing “The Ten Concepts of Science of Mind” meets Thursdays from 7 to 9:30 p.m. 16 de Septiembre 30. All other activities are at Nicolas Bravo 17. For information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call (376) 766-0920 or check the website at www.cslchapala.com.
San Andrés English
The English congregation of the Templo de San Andrés in Ajijic, now in their 50th year, meets at 9 a.m. on Sundays with Rev. Basil Royston celebrating the Mass in English.
During Lent, the congregation returns to the town’s main church at noon on Wednesdays for Mass followed by a weekly discussion group led by Royston. Topics range from advanced directives at end of life to explanations of the liturgy and sacraments.
This English-speaking priest is available for confession following either Mass during Lent or by appointment at other times.
Christ Church
The congregation of Christ Church Lakeside will celebrate Holy Communion Rite II at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 16, at The Little Chapel by the Lake on the Carretera below Chula Vista. Celebrant Rev. Danny Borkowski will present “Being Born,” a sermon based on John 3: 1-17.
Following the service, Christ Church members join those from The Little Chapala by the Lake for a 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. fellowship time.
Bible study continues Tuesdays at 10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall with Deacon Rob Wells leading the group as they explore the book of Matthew using the the Jerusalem Bible as a guide.
The Little Chapel
At the non-denominational Little Chapala by the Lake, Rev. Gene Raymer’s 11:15 a.m. message on Sunday, March 16, will be “What Were They Thinking?” based on the scripture story of the Good Samaritan. Those attending are invited to join in fellowship with the members of Christ Church beginning at 10:30 a.m. each week.
In their continuing efforts to serve the needs of the community, the congregation has raised enough money to buy life preservers for the fishermen of San Juan Tecomatlan. The church has invited members of Overeaters Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous to use the building for their Monday and Thursday meetings.
A non-denominational study group for Hispanic men and women is scheduled for Monday, March 17 in the sanctuary from 6:15 to 9 p.m. Fuego del Cielo is a Bible Institute that includes courses in the Character of God, the Holy Spirit, Faith and other topics.
St. Andrew’s Anglican
One of the most familiar and most misunderstood stories in the Bible, the account of Nicodemus’s visit to Jesus is the focus of “Wind-Born,” the homily by Rev. Winston Welty on Sunday, March 16. Nicodemus came with preconceptions, questions about who Jesus was. Instead, Jesus answered questions Nicodemus didn’t ask and that revealed more about Nicodemus. It was in this conversation that Jesus used the phrase variously translated as “born again,” “born anew,” or “born from above.” What He meant and how His answer to Nicodemus also His answer to our deepest questions is not translated.
There’s time for fellowship, refreshment and welcome in the garden between 9 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services. The children’s bilingual Sunday School program begins at 10:45 a.m.
The third in the seven-part Lenten Bible Study, “A Fresh Look at the Lord’s Prayer,” is slated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19 in the old office building. This study is a mutual exploration of the familiar prayer and to discover how Jesus intended it to change worshippers approach to God. Each session stands alone; those interested can attend when possible.
St. Andrew’s is at Calle San Lucas 19, one block south of the Carretera in Riberas del Pilar.
Unitarians
Rev. Daniel O’Connell, senior minister of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston, Texas, will present a message to local members at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 15. His talk, “Unitarian Universalist are good for nothing” delves into ways orthodox faith insists the fear of eternal damnation and the promise of Heaven are the only motivations to turn inveterate sinners into good people and then approaches the question, what works better with UUs. A coffee and fellowship hour will follow the service.
The Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalist Fellowship meets every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at Plaza de la Ribera (formerly Sol y Luna), at Rio Bravo 10A. For more information call (376) 766-1458 or (376) 765-7231.