British Luncheon
The Lakeside British and Commonwealth Society holds its monthly luncheon on Saturday, September 7, 12:45 p.m. at Manix Restaurant, Ocampo 57 in Ajijic.
In keeping with Mexico’s September celebrations there will be a Mexico/UK trivia quiz.
Menu is a small salad, carrot and vegetable soup, brisket, mashed potatoes, vegetables and gravy, vegetarian curry with rice or a large salad with protein. Dessert is lemon tart. The cost is 180 pesos plus drinks and tip.
Contact Sue at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Arleen at 376-766-1742 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to confirm your attendance. Visitors welcome.
Green bike ride
The first Rodada Por El Medio Ambiente Ajijic 2019 (bicycle trip for the environment) is scheduled for Sunday, September 8. Participants will meet at the Ajijic Plaza at 8 a.m. to register and head to the Centro de Acopio (Recycling Center) in West Ajijic at 9 a.m. There, a demonstration will be given about how the center processes materials to recycle.
The route from the plaza is west on Calle Hidalgo two blocks, north on Aquiles Serdan, then west on Zaragoza, south on Privada Ocampo and west on Ocampo all the way to the Recycling Center. The group will return via the bike lane along the highway and then turn south on 5 de Feberro to the Ajijic Malecon at about 11:30 a.m., where a bicycle will be raffled off and talks about recycling in Ajijic will be given.
While this event is geared toward the Mexican community and children, expats are welcome to join in.
Open Circle
Dr. Kelly Randolph Bennett will discuss “Moods” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, September 8, 10:30 a.m. to noon, on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
Ever wonder why you feel so different every day? Ever feel out of sync with others and even with yourself? Ever feel moody and don’t know why? Worries accompany unexpected swings in our supporting life energies, affecting our natural timing. Besides upsetting our natural rhythm, worry can subtly influence us to act in ways that are not us, which can make matters worse. Learn how to join forces with these predictable, surging life energies that ultimately shape our daily motivations and moods.
Dr. Bennett began his career as a rocket scientist. Over the past 50 years, as a psychologist and professor, he has helped individuals and businesses flourish by applying Developmental Psychology, Brainwave Optimization™, and Meditation. He has lived and practiced (while professionally credentialed) in the United States, Australia, South-East Asia and Ecuador, and now resides with his wife “Charlie” in Ajijic. Dr. Bennett’s four books are available on amazon.com. Learn more at 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..
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
Lake Chapala Birders
Monday, September 9, the Lake Chapala Birders meet 8 a.m. at Donas Donuts to carpool to Rosa Amarilla Loop on the plateau above the south side of the lake (a 60-minute drive). Expect to see wood storks and possibly a white-tailed hawk. Bring refreshments for the morning and sandwiches for the 12:30 p.m. lunch stop. The group will return about 3 p.m.
Lake Chapala Birders is an informal group of bird observers led by John and Rosemary Keeling. If you plan on going, email John at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least 48 hours ahead of time, indicating if you can provide a car for the carpool. Information: chapalabirders.org.
Democrats Abroad
The next monthly meeting of the Democrats Abroad Lake Chapala Chapter is Monday, September 9, 4 p.m. at La Bodega Restaurant, 16 de Septiembre 124 in Ajijic. The featured speaker is Paul Crist, who will discuss the increasing threats to LGBTQ rights by the Trump administration, which has been working to roll back hard-won civil and workplace protections for LGBTQ people, both in the United States and globally. Most of these policy changes have been done quietly, amending or abolishing little discussed employment regulations, education policy, health policy, legal protections and more. Crist will provide an overview of some of these changes and will offer helpful suggestions on how LGBTQ citizens and allies can counter this assault on vital rights and protections.
Crist was a legislative aide in the U.S. Senate, and has academic and non-profit work experience on a wide range of issues including public health, energy and environmental policy; agriculture and nutrition assistance policy, and LGBTQ and other civil rights legislative initiatives. Among his various recent advocacy activities, he founded an HIV/AIDS services organization in Puerto Vallarta, where he lives with his husband, and has been a strong advocate for Medicare coverage for U.S. expats living in Mexico. This will be a very informative talk and discussion opportunity for chapter members, visitors and newcomers to Lakeside, who are encouraged to come and meet like-minded folks. Botanas will be served and there will be a cash bar.
For more information on Democrats Abroad activities at Lakeside, write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Hot Science at LCS
LCS members can get the lowdown on new science, technology and medical news, each Tuesday in the LCS Sala, 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. September 10: Google says hackers have put “monitoring implants” in iPhones for years; neurocapitalism — Facebook and Neuralink are building brain-reading tech; “We are sitting on a timebomb”: International Panel on Climate Change has drafted a new report on climate change – and it is daunting.
Conexiones
Conexiones Entre Amigos is a monthly networking event. This month’s featured speaker will be Paola De Watterlot, a community activist. Attendees will discuss how recycling will benefit our local community.
Conexiones meets the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Lake Chapala Society. Free entrance.
TED Talks
Writer Margaret Hefferman presents “The Dangers of Willful Blindness” at the next Ted Talk, Tuesday, September 10, noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Lake Chapala Society Sala. Open to LCS members only.
Gayla Benefield was just doing her job – until she uncovered an awful secret about her hometown: its mortality rate was 80 times higher than anywhere else in the United States. But when she tried to tell people about it, she learned an even more shocking truth: people didn’t want to know. In a talk that’s part history lesson, part call-to-action, Heffernan demonstrates the danger of willful blindness, and praises ordinary people like Benefield who are willing to speak up.
Carpentry classes
Adult woodworking classes begin September 9 at Have Hammer School of Carpentry in Riberas del Pilar. Two different levels will be offered over eight weeks. Beginners will attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays and intermediates attend on Mondays and Wednesdays. Both levels meet 8 to 9:30 a.m. Call or email Parke Sprag for more information and reservations at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 001-941-276-3233. Leave a voice message if there is no answer.
Introduction to Spanish
Open to all current LCS members, this class is designed for individuals without any Spanish language background. Classes begin Tuesday, September 10, noon to 1:30 p.m. for three Tuesdays. Register and pay online or register and pay in the LCS Service Office.
Debate Watch
A third “Debate Watch” has been organized by the Democrats Abroad Lake Chapala Chapter to hear the current top Democratic presidential primary candidates speak in Houston on Thursday, September 12, 7 to 10 p.m. The event will take place at El Bar Co. on the Carretera (33-A) next to the Pemex station, where ample front door parking is available. A 50-peso cover charge will include a free beer, wine, soft drink or margarita, and bar food will be available for purchase.
LCS courses
LCS members can take advantage of a variety of courses and seminars.
• Introduction to Lakeside. Topics include: banking, shopping, medical services, transportation, housing, utilities, maid and gardening services, social protocols, fiestas, holidays, and religious observations. Thursday, September 12, 9 a.m.
• Learn about Fresh fruit drinks (agua frescas), Tuesday, September 17, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• Street Spanish, Wednesday, September 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Know your rights in Mexico and preserve your assets and yourself, Friday, September 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18 and 25, noon to 1:30 p.m. by María de las Nieves Solbes.
• Take a class to obtain a driver’s license, Monday, September 23, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Then go to Guadalajara to obtain your new or renewal license, Tuesday, September 24, 7 a.m.
• Mexican Manners, Wednesday, September 25, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Mexican Salsas, Monday, September 30, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Check the LCS office or website for costs and to sign up.
Medical Information Kit
The Chapala Cruz Roja, with the help of local medical professionals, has created a Medical Information Kit that could very well save your life.
For a mere 50 pesos, and an hour of your time at a workshop, you could go home with a vial of life, refrigerator magnet, wallet card, Lakeside emergency phone numbers and a list of Spanish phrases to use in an emergency.
Cruz Roja Medical Information Kit workshops will be held at the Lake Chapala Society on September 18, October 8, October 23 and November 12, as well as by request for local social, religious and neighborhood groups. Advance registration is required and the class size is limited. To register for a workshop or to schedule a special workshop for your group, email Colleen Beery, volunteer CR instructor at 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 classes at LCS
Michael Goss teaches tech classes Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m. for LCS members.
Sign up for classes by email at 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..
• September 19: Cell phones in Mexico.
• September 26: Introduction to Facebook.
Every Thursday, noon to 2 p.m., Technical Help Desk for phones, laptops, tablets, TV questions, cell phone operations, email and everything else tech.
LCS bus trip
The Lake Chapala Society (LCS) takes a bus trip to Galerias Mall Thursday, September 19. The mall features anchor stores Liverpool, Best Buy and Sanborns and many specialty stores including Gap, C&A, Tommy Hilfiger, The Body Shop, Radio Shack, Mac Store, H&M and more.
Check the LCS office or website to sign up and learn the departure times and cost of the trips. Registration and payment can now be made online at lakechapalasociety.com.
Plant and garden sale
Vivero La Esperanza nursery, a project of Poco A Poco servicing the pueblos of the San Pedro Itzican area and San Juan Tecomatlan, is hosting its first Plant and Garden Sale at the Garden Center in Riberas del Pilar, Saturday, September 21, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jewelry and knitted items produced by the local Women’s Jewelry Collective Project and the Women’s Knitting Projects of San Pedro Itzican will also be on sale. The Brigadista Traditional Dance Troupe from San Pedro Itzican will perform an opening ritual dance ceremony at noon.
Vivero La Esperanza is located in the town of San Juan Tecomatlán, ten kilometers east of Chapala on the road to Mezcala, just after the Vista del Lago Golf Club.
The nursery’s vision is for local people to feed and improve the nutrition of their communities by growing organic plants from seed. The aim is to grow enough plants to have a surplus to sell for a profit so that the working costs of the nursery can be covered. Vivero La Esperanza is a collaborative effort between Jalisco Firefighters and Civil Protection, Poco a Poco, individual volunteers and the San Juan Tecomatlán townspeople.
See pocoapocosanpedro.com and fcoandbradsmexicotravels.blogspot.com for more information.
Insight Meditation
Wednesday, September 11, the meditation period will be followed by a reading and time for reflection and discussion. The selected reading is titled “Exploring What Is” and explores what the Buddha’s core teachings tell us about aging.
Registration is now open for a two-night residential meditation retreat September 17-19, at Santa Maria del Lago retreat center, 11 kilometers east of Chapala. DaeJa Napier will be the teacher in residence and will conduct the silent retreat.
DaeJa will offer talks at the meditation center in Ajijic Monday, September 16 and Friday, September 20, 3 to 5 p.m. The topic for Monday is “How to stay sane in a crazy world” and Friday’s offering is “Getting to Know DaeJa” with Q&A opportunities. These sessions do not require advance registration and all are welcome.
Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; heartofawareness.com. The Heart of Awareness meditation center is located at Guadalupe Victoria 101.