Open Circle
Be entertained by rising stars in the highly competitive universe of chamber music for string quartets at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, October 20, 10:30 a.m. to noon, on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
Open Circle has watched them since they first began to define themselves as serious contenders under the coaching of Chris Wilshere two years ago. Members of the ensemble are Diana Laguna (violin), Vidal Gonzales (violin), René Nuño (viola) and Areli Medeles (cello).
Their program will include the “Divertimento in E major” by Mozart, as well as an assortment of songs and arrangements by an array of Latin American composers.
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
Driving permits
The Lake Chapala Society PEP series offers classes to obtain a driver’s license. Sign up for any of the following classes: Monday, October 21, November 11, or December 2, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the LCS South Campus Board Room. Study the course for getting a license and go to Guadalajara to obtain your new or renewal license on October 22, November 12, or December 3 at 7 a.m. Cost is 800 pesos.
Hot Science at LCS
Lake Chapala Society 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. Topics for October 22: how technology sabotaged public safety; scientists are decoding the genetic mechanisms of aging; the joy of living (and dying) alone.
Presented by Silicon Valley guy Richard Clarke.
Genealogy Forum
The Family History Centre offers genealogists of all experience levels, access to both free and subscription websites. As of October 22, the center is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon. Experienced genealogists will be on hand to help as needed. The Centre is located in the Church of the Latter-Day Saints in Riberas del Pilar, diagonally across from Mom’s Restaurant The two computers there are used on a first come, first serve basis, but if you wish to reserve a spot, please email Pat Reynolds 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..
The next meeting of the Genealogy Forum will be Monday, October 28, 1 to 3 p.m. in the same church. Phyl Gaskell will be speaking on how history has affected our ancestors, and how to use this to bring to life those names and dates which, by themselves, are not very interesting. The title of the presentation is “It’s all about the WHY.
Anyone interested in family history, with any level of experience, is welcome to join the group. There are no dues or commitments. For questions or further information contact Gaskell at 376-766-2722.
TED Talks
Public interest/human rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson presents “We Need to Talk about an Injustice” at the next Ted Talk, Tuesday, October 22, noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Lake Chapala Society Sala. Open to LCS members only.
In an engaging and personal talk, Stevenson shares some hard truths about the U.S. justice system, starting with a massive imbalance along racial lines. These issues, which are wrapped up in the United States’ unexamined history, are rarely talked about with this level of candor, insight and persuasiveness.
Hosted by Susan Weeks.
Mindfulness course
A new six-week course provides the instruction and practice needed to start daily meditation practice, and to keep it going.
Presented by Richard Clarke, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness course introduces the complete mindfulness practice: breath, body, movement, feelings, thought, and ideas.
The course is based on Clarke’s lifelong spiritual practice. There is no cost. Booklets and study guides will be provided.
The course is scheduled for Wednesdays, October 23 to November 27, 2019, 1 to 2:30 p.m. at San Luis 73, Riberas del Pilar. Space is limited. To confirm a space call 376-765-6976 or email 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..
Alzheimer’s presentation
Are you showing signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s?
Mira Soul Center is offering a free presentation on Alzheimer’s disease. The speaker is Kassandra A. King, BA, NHA, nursing home administrator and author of “Getting Real About Alzheimer’s: Rementia Through Engagement, Assistance, and Love.”
The presentation is Thursday, October 24, 3 p.m. at Tabachines 43 in Fracc. Mirasol in Riberas del Pilar. Seating is limited.
King will discuss diagnostic tools available to distinguish between disease-related forms of dementia and normal memory loss and most importantly, how to address this sensitive topic directly with people in your life.
LCS courses
LCS members can take advantage of a variety of courses and seminars.
• Mexican Manners with Alfredo Perez, Thursday, October 24, 10 to 12:30 p.m.
• Learn some of the history and great traditions of Dia de los Muertos and build an altar as well as create a calavera literaria (humorous ode to death) with Alfredo Perez, Wednesday, October 30, 10 to 1 p.m.
• Beginners Gardening at Lakeside with Francisco Nava, Tuesday, November 5, 12, 19 and 26, 1-3 p.m.
• Intro to Creative Writing with Rachel McMillen, Wednesday, November 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2-4 p.m.
Check the LCS office or website for costs and to sign up.
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..
• October 24: Google Photos
• November 7: Chromebooks
• November 21: Creating photo books
Every Thursday, noon to 2 p.m., Technical Help Desk for phones, laptops, tablets, TV questions, cell phone operations, email and everything else tech.
Artisanal wine
A presentation of artisanal wines and community kitchen dishes will be held Saturday, October 26, 4:30 p.m. at the Centro Cultural Antigua Presidencia. This is a presentation by the Asociacion de Niños de San Antonio.
Breast cancer run-walk
It’s that time of year again! Lend your support to a much needed fundraiser supporting women with low incomes in the fight against breast cancer.
Rotary Club of Ajijic will be holding its 3rd annual 5k to De-Feet Breast Cancer. Proceeds will go to Salvati Guadalajara.
Organizers are planning for at least 500 participants this year. The run/walk takes place Sunday October 27, 8-11 a.m., starting at the Ajijic Plaza. Pets are allowed on the run.
For registrations, see the Rotary Ajijic Facebook page. If you can’t run or walk the event, sponsor a child participant for 400 pesos on the day of the event. A prize will be awarded for the best Catrina makeup.
Spanish at LCS
Sign up now for the seven-week Warren Hardy Spanish classes running October 28 to December 17. Introduction to Spanish class is a three-week class taking place on Tuesdays, beginning November 12. Both classes are open only to Lake Chapala Society members. Find out about dates, times and costs at the LCS office.
Lake Chapala Birders
Monday, October 28, the Lake Chapala Birders meet at Donas Donuts, 8 a.m., leaving immediately for the Sierra de Tapalpa (90 minutes away).
The group will bird from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and have lunch in the town of Tapalpa and complete the bird list. Expect to see higher altitude birds such as acorn woodpecker, slate-throated redstart and possibly a trans-volcanic jay. Bring your own refreshments for the morning. Return to Ajijic about 5 p.m.
Lake Chapala Birders is an informal group of bird observers led by John and Rosemary Keeling. Information: chapalabirders.org. If you plan on going, email John at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 48 hours ahead of time to plan for the carpool.
Bingo and chocolate
Every Tuesday, Have Hammer’s carpentry school holds Bingo Lago, a bingo game fundraiser at the Maria Isabel Restaurant next to the malecon in Ajijic. Bingo cards go on sale at 1 p.m. and the game begins 1:30 p.m. Win prizes, paintings, dinners and woodwork made by the students. A package of ten games costs 200 pesos. The event is dog friendly and there is a smokers’ terrace. Parking available.
Next Tuesday, a chocolate truffle tasting by Geanie Tilley’s The Ugly Truffle will be held from 12:30 to 4 p.m. (before and during the game).
Lakeside Singles
Lakeside Singles hosts a get-together Wednesday, October 30, 4 to 6 p.m. at El Sombrero Restaurant (formerly Blue Moon), located next to El BarCo. RSVP: 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..
Lunch, fashion show.
Dia de la Catrina, billed as “an afternoon of food, fashion, fun and surprises,” is scheduled Thursday, October 31 at La Nueva Posada Hotel in Ajijic, as a benefit for the Ajijic Society of the Arts.
Included in the 250-peso ticket price are a “Lovely La Petite luncheon,” a fashion show presented by Bohemia Boutique and a catrina mask sale. An open bar will be available.
Doors open at 1 p.m. There will be general seating, so arrive early.
Tickets are available at Diane Pearl Colecciones in Ajijic.
LCS bus trips
The Lake Chapala Society takes a bus trip to to Day of the Dead festival in Tlaquepaque Friday, November 1. A guided tour is included.
Check the LCS office or website to sign up and learn the departure times and cost of the trip. Registration and payment can now be made online at lakechapalasociety.com.
Fandango Party
A Fandango party fundraiser to help pay for Ajijic’s Day of the Dead Parade will be held Friday November 1, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Ajijic Malecon. A meal of tacos al pastor, a salad bar with vegetarian options and a cash bar will accompany an oral presentation of the Day of the Dead, a ballet folkloric performance and later dancing music by Estrella Lunar. Tickets, 250 pesos area available at Manix Restaurant, Diane Pearl, Fenix Real Estage and Wilde’s Dildoria.
Gardening classes
Francisco Nava will give beginning gardeners at Lakeside special insight on what’s special about gardening at lakeside. Talks include a monthly garden calendar; what blooms when; effective communication with your gardener; comparing Mexican and expat points of view; beginning garden Spanish; full sun gardens; shade gardens; formal and casual garden design; organic gardens; starting plants from seed; disease and pest management; drought tolerant gardens; pruning and weeding; compost and mulching; soil and water.
Classes are Tuesdays, November 5, 12, 19 and 26, 1 to 3 p.m. in the South Campus Board Room at the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
Cost is 500 pesos per student. Enrollment is limited.
Sign up at the LCS office.
Garden Guild Floral Show
The Lakeside Garden Guild is now selling tickets to its 2019 Annual Floral Show to be held on Saturday, November 16, 3-6 p.m. Tickets are 300 pesos and include a complementary drink and hors d’oeuvres. You can buy tickets from either Barb at 376-766-5452 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Leslie at 376- 766-2274 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..
The show will be held at the beautiful Original Hacienda del Lago on O’Campo and Privada de O’Campo in Ajijic.
Some of the Guild’s beautiful arrangements will be for sale at the show.
The proceeds from the show will go toward the Guild’s 2020 Community Project. The 2019 project was building the new foot bridges on the Ajijic Malecon.
Insight Meditation
The Heart of Awareness (HOA) meditation center offers meditation sessions Sunday at 9 a.m., Wednesday at 4 p.m. and Thursday at 11 a.m. All are open to the general public regardless of experience or affiliation.
Monday, October 21, the film “The Silent Glow: Recovering the Present,” will be shown at 3 p.m. The film chronicles the impact of mindfulness and contemplative practices on children. Stephen Batchelor has praised The Silent Glow, writing that it “quietly but insistently advocates another kind of education: one that values introspection and the mastery of contemplative skills as an integral part of learning how to be fully human.” The film will be followed by dinner and social time at Casa Cacau. RSVP for dinner by Saturday, October 19: 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..
Wednesday, October 23, the meditation period will be followed by a reading from “Insight Meditation: The Practice of Freedom” by Joseph Goldstein. This week we consider a topic from “What is the path?” titled “One taste.”
A yoga class is offered on Thursdays from 9-10:45 am. Mats and blocks are provided. The class is suitable for students at all levels, from beginners to advanced.
Website: heartofawareness.com. The HOA center is at Guadalupe Victoria 101.