Ajijic Cosmology Club
The Cosmology Club has been meeting quarterly for lunch for ten years.
Anyone interested in cosmology, astronomy, physics, quantum theory, chemistry, string theory, mathematics, etc. would probably enjoy attending the next meeting. Information with Jerry, (376) 766-0594.
Ajijic Cares
Ajijic Cares Foundation, an organization dedicated to HIV/AIDs information, has had various accomplishments the last six months.
A total of 330 Lakeside students at the Instituto Technologico Superior de Chapala and the Instituto International de Chapala received safe sex educational seminars in March from VIHAS de Vida, through their program Ferias de Vida (Life Fairs).
More than 1,300 condoms were distributed at the schools where the sessions were held and at events sponsored by Ajijic Cares.
Fundraising efforts were in conjunction with Mark Rome of That’s Entertainment, for the Miss Conception show in February, and Lakeside Little Theatre’s showing of “Angels in America” in January.
Day of Presence
Satsang Ajijic offers “A Day of Presence,” Saturday, July 21, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Blue Door, Aquiles Serdan 5, in Ajijic.
A Day of Presence is an opportunity to explore silence, meditation contemplation and self-inquiry in a supportive and quiet environment, involving several meditation modalities to support everyone – practiced meditators and beginners alike. Visual artist, author and spiritual teacher Noris Binet will lead the event.
Binet offers a monthly Satsang in Spanish and in English. Information and registration at 331-441-7715, (376) 766-0312, or 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..
Open Circle
Karl Homann presents “The European Union: Achievements and Challenges” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, July 22, 10:30 a.m. on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society.
The EU was not created for economic reasons but rather to achieve lasting peace among its neighbors. Yet with over 500 million inhabitants and an annual GDP of $US16.9 billion, the EU represents the largest economy of the world. In 60-plus years, it has achieved much: peace among European neighbors; the political, social and economic transformation of 13 former dictatorships; strong support for democracy and human rights across Europe and beyond; and increases in living standards. Nevertheless, the EU also faces challenges, such as Brexit, migration, tribalism and populist disinformation. Homann will argue that the future of Europe will be built by the patient application of democratic methods, a constructive spirit of agreement, and by respect for freedom.
Born in Germany, Homann left his native land at the age of 20 and eventually settled in Canada, where he taught English composition and literature for 30 years. After his retirement about ten years ago, he moved to lakeside.
For more information on Open Circle, see opencircleajijic.org.
Blood pressure
Blood pressure screenings are available to the public, Monday, July 23 and 30, 10 a.m. to noon at the Lake Chapala Society.
LCS TED Talks
“What Artificial Intelligence Is -- and Isn’t” is the topic of the next TED Talk, Tuesday, July 24, noon to 1:15 p.m. at the Lake Chapala Society Sala.
This is a lively conversation between educator and entrepreneur Sebastian Thrun and TED Curator Chris Anderson. Thrun wants us to use AI to free humanity of repetitive work and unleash our creativity. In an inspiring, informative conversation, Thrun discusses the progress of deep learning, why we shouldn’t fear runaway AI and how society will be better off if dull, tedious work is done with the help of machines. “Only one percent of interesting things have been invented yet,” Thrun says. “I believe all of us are insanely creative ... [AI] will empower us to turn creativity into action.”
Yoga
One-hour yoga classes by certified instructor Delia, featuring both chair and mat techniques, are held Wednesdays, 9 a.m., at American Legion Post 7 in Chapala. To sign up, or for information, call 331-222-0438.
Exploring Spanish
LCS members can take advantage of a free Spanish class, Wednesdays from noon to 1:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Lake Chapala Society Sala.
Get out and sing!
The Lakeside Singers will begin a singalong at Casa Anastasia retirement home (next to Maskara’s Clinic) in Riberas del Pilar, Wednesday, July 25, 4:30 p.m. All are welcome to join the Singers.
The group dines out together after the singalong. 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..
Fitness walks
A walk for fitness takes place on the LCS gazebo every Wednesday, 10-11 a.m. to September 26. This activity will follow Leslie Sansone’s “Walk at Home” program – endorsed by the American Heart Association. Contact Lisa O’Dell for 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..
Chapala Birders
The Chapala Birders meet Thursday, July 26, 8 a.m., at Donas Donuts in Ajijic before heading to the Cajititlan marsh (a 30-minute drive). Birds that might be seen include the Sinaloa Wren and a variety of lake and marsh birds. At 10:15 a.m., the group takes breakfast at Las Delicias and completes the bird list. To go (and/or offer to bring a vehicle for carpooling), contact John Keeling, 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..
LCS bus trips
The Lake Chapala Society is headed to Galerias Mall and Costco, Thursday, July 26. The bus departs 9:30 a.m. from the sculpture in La Floresta. Wednesday, August 8, the trip is to Tlaquepaque, Forum Mall and Home Depot. The bus departs 10 a.m. Cost for either trip is 370 pesos for members and 470 pesos for non-members.
Lakeside Singles
The Lakeside Singles plan a cocktail-mixer Thursday, July 26, 4-6 p.m. at La Nueva Posada, Donato Guerra 9. Cocktail hour prices are in effect and a full menu is available. E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you plan to attend.
Spiritual Naturalist Society
New to lakeside, the Spiritual Naturalist Society will meet Friday, July 27, 5 p.m. at La Nueva Posada. Come and explore this intriguing initiative. There will be a short presentation on building a local, supportive, secular, spiritual community, appealing to those who identify as spiritual but not religious. Stay for food and fellowship at 6 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..
Tech Issues
Lake Chapala Society members can take technology classes that resume in August. Classes are Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m., in the LCS sala.
Thursday, August 2: Cellphones in Mexico. How to call and get calls; Mexican cellphones, Mexican land-line phones, U.S. and Canadian cellphones will be covered.
Thursday, August 16: Google Photos. Learn the basics of Google Photos. Store all your photos for free, create albums, share photos, enhance pictures, backup your smartphone photos automatically.
Thursday August 23: iPhone Q&A. Bring your iPhone questions for clarification.
Thursday August 31: Android Q&A. Bring your Android questions for clarification.
Insight Meditation
The Heart of Awareness Insight Meditation Community offers multiple opportunities each week for silent meditation: Sundays, 9-10 a.m., Wednesdays at 4-4:45 p.m. and Thursdays, 11 a.m.-noon.
The Monday Movie Matinee feature, “By the Time It Gets Dark,” will be shown July 16, 3 p.m. In The Guardian review published June 18, 2017, the film was called “dazzling reflections on Thai history” and “A head-spinning tour de force, beginning with the attack on students in 1976 and turning to the nature of filmmaking itself.” (Time: 1:45.)
Wednesday, July 18, the meditation period will be followed by a video talk by Lewis Richmond, a Zen Buddhist priest and author who founded the Zen Buddhist meditation community in Mill Valley/Tiburon, California. His topic is “Aging as a Spiritual Practice.” You are welcome to come for just the meditation or the program and discussion or both. The session ends 6 p.m.
A yoga class is offered at The Heart of Awareness on Thursdays from 9-10:45 a.m.
A new practice and study group will meet for two hours on Tuesdays, beginning August 7, using Richmond’s book “Aging as a Spiritual Practice” for its text. Time of the meeting will be determined by those who sign up to participate. E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or put your contact information on the sign-up sheet in the meditation hall.
The meditation center is located at Guadalupe Victoria 101, Ajijic. Information: heartofawareness.org.