Open Circle
Investment managers Yann Kostic and Tom Zachystal present “Why All the Volatility and What This Means for Investors” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, February 10, 10:30 a.m., on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
“The Worst December for the Dow Jones since the Great Depression.” “Dow down 1,000 points one day and up 1,000 the next.” “Markets down 20% between October 1 and Christmas.” We’ve all seen the headlines about the recent market volatility. After a decade of relative consistency and positive performance in investment markets, volatility has intensified. Last March, Kostic and 
Zachystal warned of this possibility and even suggested that it might start in October 2018. In this, their fourth annual Open Circle presentation, Kostic and Zachystal will give a historical perspective on investment markets and volatility and discuss the current situation and where we might be headed.
Zachystal CFP, CFA and Kostic MBA, are both U.S. registered investment advisors (RIA) and cater to U.S. expats in Mexico.
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
Democrats Abroad
The next monthly meeting of the Democrats Abroad Lake Chapala Chapter is Monday, February 11, 4 p.m. at La Bodega Ajijic. Join friends and other like-minded liberal folks at this monthly get-together, which this time will begin with the executive committee’s 2018 annual report and the election of new Lake Chapala Chapter officers.
The Chapter’s upcoming “Sunday at the Movies” film series will also be presented. Afterward, a fun trivia/fake news event will follow. The winner(s) of the event will receive a Democrats Abroad-Mexico coffee mug stuffed with a special treat. Chapter members, newcomers to Lakeside and visitors are encouraged to attend and learn more about the chapter’s goals and activities.
For more information on Democrats Abroad in Mexico, write to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Progressive Action Group
A climate scientist will talk about his career at the next meeting of the Progressive Action Group, February 12, 2 p.m. at Perry’s Pizza in west Ajijic. The Progressive Action Group is a gathering of like-minded people looking for progressive solutions to political problems. The group has selected climate change as the theme for actions in 2019. They meet the second Tuesday of each month. FB/Progressive Action Group. 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..
TED Talks
Julia Dhar presents “How to disagree productively and find common ground” at the next TED Talk, Tuesday, February 12, noon to 1:30 p.m. in the LCS Sala
Some days, it feels like the only thing we can agree on is that we can’t agree – on anything. Drawing on her background as a world debate champion, Julia Dhar offers three techniques to reshape the way we talk to each other so we can start disagreeing productively and finding common ground – over family dinners, during work meetings and in our national conversations.
Hosted by Ron Mullenaux. For LCS members only.
LCS courses on Mexico
The Lake Chapala Society (LCS) offers its members a variety of courses and seminars in February to learn about the history and flavors of Mexico. Sign up at the LCS office.
• Investment Issues for U.S. expats, Tuesday, February 12, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Introduction to Lakeside, February 14, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Mexican corn tortillas and other dishes with corn, Tuesday, February 19, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Discover Mexican manners, Wednesday, February 20, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Street Spanish, Thursday, February 28, 10 a.m. to noon.
LCS bus trips
The Lake Chapala Society offers bus trips to various metro area locations throughout this month: Tlaquepaque and Tonala, Wednesday, February 13; Costco, Mega and Home Depot, Thursday, February 21; the Guadalajara Zoo, Thursday, February 28.
Check the LCS office or website to sign up and learn the departure times and cost of the trips for members and non-members. Registration and payment can now be made online.
Canadian Club
“Violence Against Women and Older People” will be the topic of C. Nadine Wathen PhD, a professor at the University of Western Ontario, at the next meeting of the Canaidan Club of Lake Chapala, Wednesday, February 13 at La Nueva Posada. A draw for a trip to the Moncarch Butterfly expedition and Morelia, Michoacan by Charter Club Tours is open to all paid members and guests in attandance. Social hour begins 3 p.m.; program at 4 p.m.
Bird walks
The Lake Chapala Birders meet Friday February 15, 8 a.m. at Donas Donuts to carpool, leaving immediately for Las Trojes (one hour away), to hike the Horizontal Oak Forest Trail. The group will hike to the edge of the hidden valley (3 hours hiking uphill, two hours back). Don’t expect very many birds, but the hike is very pleasant and you may see a red-faced warbler. The Birders return to Ajijic about 4 p.m. Bring refreshments and sandwiches for lunch at noon at the top.
Bird walks are open to all those interested in birds; just bring binoculars. If you plan on going, email John Keeling at least 48 hours ahead of time as to whether or not you can bring a vehicle to help with carpool planning.
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..
Jaltepec
The annual open house for locals who are interested in learning more about Centro Educativo Jaltepec (hospitality school) is Tuesday, February 19, 11 a.m. The school allows young women from all over Mexico to earn a degree in hoteleria. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served during a discussion of the history of the center, and its academic and scholarship programs. A tour of the facilities followed by a 1 p.m. luncheon will showcase the quality of education. Reservations: Linda Buckthorp, (376) 766-1631 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..
Jalisco driver’s license
The Lake Chapala Society offers members the opportunity to study for the driver’s exam Monday, February 25, and go to Guadalajara to obtain a new or renewed license on Tuesday, February 26, 7 a.m. Register and find out the fee for the course at the LCS office.
Insight Meditation
The Heart of Awareness Insight Meditation Community offers multiple opportunities each week for silent meditation: Sunday, 9 a.m., Wednesday, 4 p.m. and Thursday, 11 a.m. All sessions are open to the public. Chairs and cushions and brief written instructions on meditation for beginners are provided.
Wednesday, February 13, the meditation period will be followed by a video of a talk by Sharon Salzberg exploring “The Hindrances,” obstacles that arise in meditation practice and in life that bring confusion. They are: desire, aversion, laziness, restlessness, and doubt. Each of them has its own way of knocking us off the path of practice, and yet, dealing with the hindrances is our practice. On the 13th she’ll discuss “desire and aversion”.
March 13 to 16, senior dharma teacher DaeJa Napier will be in residence and provide teachings at The Heart of Awareness. Opportunities to hear her and receive support in the practice will include a daylong retreat on Saturday, March 16, at the meditation center. Advance registration is required; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.
A yoga class suitable for beginners and advanced students, is offered Thursday, 9 to 10:45 a.m.
The center is at Guadalupe Victoria 101, Ajijic. Information: heartofawareness.org.
Report a crime at LCS
You can file a denuncia (formal criminal complaint) at the Lake Chapala Society with a bilingual lawyer from the Ministerio Publico (Jalisco Attorney General’s Office) Wednesday, February 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Talking Books Library.
MP officials will provide legal advice regarding your complaint. Show up early as they will leave if the waiting line becomes zero.