Open Circle
Dr. Todd Stong will present “Stressing the Needs of Our Rural Villages” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, March 31, 10:30 a.m. to noon on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
In his 16th year at Lakeside, Stong will talk about rural village water supply. Additionally, he will focus on efforts to define the causes of kidney disease in 2,000 to 3,000 children in villages east of Chapala and to identify actions to slow down the advance of the disease. Jobs, children’s health care and adequate safe water are the key needs of the rural poor living around the lake, he notes. Many have household incomes of less than US$10/day and piped water for less than six hours a week. In conclusion, Stong will offer his view of Mexico’s future.
Stong’s 26 years in humanitarian service has focused on water-related projects in rural Africa, Asia and Latin America. Previously, as a West Point graduate, Colonel Stong served as a construction engineer for 15 years in Korea, Vietnam and Germany, followed by 15 years directing research in federal laboratories. He has six engineer sons.
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
Democrats Abroad
Up for watching a famous political satire that is even more entertaining and relevant today?
Don’t miss “Wag the Dog,” the next film to be shown Sunday, March 31, 1:30 p.m., by the Democrats Abroad Lake Chapala Chapter at the Cinemagic Theater in Plaza Bugambilias in Ajijic. This 1997 black comedy starring Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro is about a Hollywood producer and a “spin doctor” called in by the White House to distract public attention from a presidential sex scandal. They fabricate a fake war and bring home a fictionalized war hero to gain support. Problems arise when the insane war hero dies.
Proceeds from the series help fund the Chapter’s non-partisan voter support at Lakeside. 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..
LCS Spanish
Lake Chapala Society (LCS) members can take advantage of an Introduction to Spanish course the first three Tuesdays of each month, noon to 1:30 p.m. This class is designed for individuals without any Spanish language background. The instructor introduces learners to Spanish pronunciation, some vocabulary and social protocols. Register and pay online or register and pay in the LCS Service Office.
Play Euchre?
The Lakeside Euchre Club holds games in a quasi-tournament style each Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. sharp at the Blue Moon restaurant in Ajijic (next to El BarCo).
This is friendly entertainment with players having a new partner for every game, thus having a chance to meet new people. All players – novices, advanced, singles, couples, etcetera – are invited and if you have never played before, drop in early and they’ll teach you the basics.
The Blue Moon is offering a 200-peso tab for the winner.
LCS tech support
A tech expert will be available to help LCS members with questions and issues with tech devices each Thursday, noon to 2 p.m. on the Neill James Patio at a walk-up desk.
Members are encouraged to bring their phones, tablets and laptops so that issues can be solved. Also on Thursdays, specific tech classes are given. April 4 topic: keeping your passwords.
To register send an email with your LCS membership number to 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..
Chocolate workshop
Find out about Mexico’s culture of cacao and chocolate at a workshop presented by Nora Maldonado, Saturday, April 6, noon to 1:15 p.m. at the Plaza San Antonio Tlayacapan. Cost is 100 pesos. Various other arts, crafts and fun events are happening the same day at the plaza, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
LCS courses
The LCS offers its members a variety of courses and seminars to learn about the history and flavors of Mexico. Sign up at the LCS office.
• Mexico’s Traditional Fermented Beverages, Monday, April 8, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
• Mexican Chiles and Salsas, Thursday, April 11, 10 a.m. to noon.
• Holy Mole, Friday, April 12, 2 to 4 p.m.
• Study the course to take your Mexican Driver’s License test, Monday April 29, 10 to 11:30 a.m. and then go to Guadalajara to obtain your new or renewal license Tuesday, April 30, 7 a.m.
Connections
The Lake Chapala Society (LCS) and Chapala chapter of the Guadalajara Chamber of Commerce (CANACO) are promoting a community mixer Tuesday, April 9, and subsequently on the second Tuesday of each month, starting at 5:30 p.m. at LCS, (16 de septiembre 16-A, Ajijic).
The event is called “Conecciones entre Amigos” (Connections between Friends) and will feature speakers on relevant topics followed by an opportunity to socialize in an environment that will include music, snacks and a cash bar.
The first guest speaker is José Andrés Orendáin de Obeso, vice president of CANACO, who will talk for about 30 minutes on what the Chamber of Commerce offers to its members and society in general. He will present the services that are available through the organization. This presentation will be of value to local businesses and those who support local businesses as customers. The event concludes at 8 p.m.
Future topics are: doing business in Mexico, tourism, municipal services, education, security, health, sports and cultural events.
The speaker for Tuesday, May 14 will be Terry Vidal, executive director of the Lake Chapala Society, who will bring everyone up to date on the organization’s new ten-year plan.
Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
LCS bus trips
The Lake Chapala Society is offering a bus trip to the Amatitan Tres Mujeres Distillery, Wednesday, April 10. The town of Amatitan claims to be the true home of the tequila that we enjoy today. Tour the distillery, enjoy tastings and a Mexican meal in the Tres Mujeres Restaurant.
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.
Ajijic Men‘s Circle
Are you an elder, or just old? When are you fully alive, worry free, participating in life and having fun? What more is there? What limits you? What are your fears and challenges? What supports you in making the most of life?
An Elder Forum to be held Friday, April 12, 6 to 9 p.m. at Nicolas Bravo 17 Ajijic, is a time to reflect on these questions and more. All are welcome to this event sponsored by Ajijic Men’s Group.
Information: (376) 766-0920 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..
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. There are no fees and all sessions are open to the public. Chairs and cushions and brief written instructions on meditation for beginners are provided.
Wednesday, April 3, the meditation period will be followed by the first in a series of teachings on “The Power of Forgiveness: Forgiving ourselves and others.” The videos feature Gina Sharpe, co-founder of the New York Insight Meditation Center, who talks about how our ability to forgive allows us to make space for our ability to meet suffering – our suffering as well as the suffering of others – with a kind heart. She guides us in the process to find forgiveness for others and forgiveness for ourselves.
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.
April fools’ fun & games
The balloon lady knows how much fun you’ll have at the fourth annual April Fools’ fund-raiser bash Tuesday, April 2, 4 to 8 p.m. at the Sunrise Restaurant in San Antonio Tlayacapan to benefit Tepehua Centro Comunitario (Community Center). Prizes will be given for the best costumes. The menu is chicken fajitas, shrimp salad, chiles rellenos or a hamburger and fries. Margaritas, beer and wine will flow along with the fun and games. Tickets, 300 pesos, are on sale at Sunrise Restaurant, Tepehua Treasures Bazar in Riberas del Pilar, via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling Harvey at 603-923-8893 (U.S. cel).