Toys for Tots run
American Legion Post 7 Chapala and Los Gueros Motorcycle Club will conduct their 6th annual Toys for Tots Run, Saturday, December 14.
A breakfast is held at 10 a.m. at the Legion, and the ride, comprising cars and motorcycles, will head up to the Tepehua neighborhood in the hills behind Chapala at noon to bring a memorable Christmas to the children of that community. Everyone is welcome to join in.
Miztli Bazar
Miztli Bazar, a fair by local designers and creators, will be held at Tobolandia, Saturday, December 14, noon to 7 p.m. Enjoy live and DJ music activities, show, eats and drinks, brincolines for the kids, and both lakeside and Guadalajara-based exhibiters with authentic products for the holiday season.
Open Circle
Música Para Crecer, the San Juan Children’s Orchestra and Chorus, present an annual holiday concert at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, December 15, 10:30 a.m. to noon, on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
Five years ago a few community leaders in San Juan Cosalá began a music program intended to give disadvantaged at-risk children a sure and safe path to young adulthood. The students studied hard, stayed off the streets, and devoted themselves to what they most loved – music. They have traveled to music festivals and camps, encountered children of other cultures, lived with them, and made music with them. The program has transformed not only individual lives but also the village itself.
The San Juan Children’s Orchestra and Chorus (Música Para Crecer) now enriches the lives of 80 children from 5 to 18 years of age. It includes 20-year-old graduates of the program who assist as teachers.
Their Open Circle concert features traditional Mexican, pop, classical, and Latin American music, with Daniel Medeles conducting.
As a nonprofit civic organization, Música Para Crecer is supported solely by governmental grants and private donations. Government support for the arts has been drastically reduced under the current administration, and the orchestra is looking for generous patrons and the backing of civic organizations and businesses to help guarantee their future. Open Circle has watched them from the very beginning and has adopted them into our hearts as though they were our own. Let us continue to relish their music and do our best to assure their future.
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
Medical alert
The Cruz Roja Medical Information Kit provides a way for first responders to get your personal information quickly and efficiently. A class to explain the kits is Sunday, December 15, 3-4 p.m. at Mision del Lago (by the pool). At the end of the session attendees will leave with a Medical Information Kit containing a vial of life, a refrigerator magnet, a wallet-sized medical information card, a bilingual list of emergency phone numbers to call, along with a list of Spanish emergency medical phrases to use. The cost for this kit is 50 pesos.
Register for the class by sending your name, phone number and email address, mentioning Mision del Lago, 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..
TED Talks
Science historian Naomi Oreskes presents “Why Should We Trust Scientists?” at the next Ted Talk, Tuesday, December 17, noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Lake Chapala Society Sala. Open to LCS members only.
Many of the world’s biggest problems require asking questions of scientists – but why should we believe what they say? Oreskes thinks deeply about our relationship to belief and draws out three problems with common attitudes toward scientific inquiry – and gives her own reasoning for why we ought to trust scientists.
Hosted by Pete Soderman.
Fashion show
Local designer Alma Gutierrez will hold her Christmas Fashion Show, Tuesday, December 17, 1:30 p.m. at Yves’ Restaurant in Ajijic. Reservations: 376-766-3565.
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, 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Topics for December 17: Oceans losing oxygen at unprecedented rate, experts warn; New research investigates intriguing approach to Alzheimer’s – and potential that it can be reversed; Dramatic health benefits following air pollution reduction.
Presented by Silicon Valley guy Richard Clarke.
Bridge classes
Always wanted to play bridge and now you have the time? Catherine Gonzales holds supervised bridge lessons at the Lake Chapala Duplicate Bridge Club every Wednesday, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Email her 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..
Christmas carolers unite
The Lakeside Singers will be caroling at four assisted-living homes Thursday, December 19. Meet at the Little Chapel by the Lake in Chula Vista at 9:45 a.m. Rides should be available for those without transportation. A lunch break will be held at the Laguna mall.
Wear your festive attire and come join in the fun. You are welcome to bring bells, tambourines, kazoos, noise makers, etcetera.
For more information, contact Kay Borkowski, 376-766-2495 or Belva Velazquez, 376-766-0156.
LCS bus trips
Thursday, December 19, the Lake Chapala Society bus heads to Galerias Mall and Costco in Guadalajara.
LCS heads to Tlaquepaque’s Forum Mall and Home Depot, Friday, December 27. A trip to Amatitan’s Tres Mujeres Distillery is planned for Wednesday, January 8.
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.
Christmas Bazar
Some 70 vendors will be on hand for a Christmas Bazaar to be held at the La Huerta de Serna Events Center in West Ajijic (where the Tuesday Market is held), Thursday, December 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Artists, artisans, designers, chefs and others will present their latest creations. Live music will be on hand as well.
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..
• January 2, cell phones in Mexico.
• January 16, cell phone cameras.
• January 23, Google photos.
Every Thursday, noon to 2 p.m., Technical Help Desk for phones, laptops, tablets, TV questions, cell phone operations, email and everything tech.
Klestadt memorial
Ann and Marty Klestadt invite Charlie’s many friends to remember and celebrate his life. The gathering will take place on Saturday, December 21, between 3 and 5 p.m. at the Lake Chapala Society. Undoubtedly there will be tears, but laughter too. Some of Charlie’s favorite music will be shared. Colibri Garden (Peter and Georgina) will cater light refreshments.
LCS courses
LCS members can take advantage of a variety of courses and seminars.
• Mexico’s year of fiestas. Judy King gives insights on the diverse and fascinating traditions surrounding Mexico’s winter holiday season. Four Mondays: January 6, 13, 20 and 27, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• Introduction to Lakeside. Topics include: banking, shopping, medical services, transportation, housing, utilities, maid and gardening services, social protocols, fiestas, holidays, and religious observations. Monday, January 6, 9 a.m.
• Mexican Winter Fruits with Alfredo Perez. enjoy a trip to the warmest heart of Mexican winter and its flavors. Recipes, flavors, aromas and more. Friday, January 10, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
• Mexican Manners with Alfredo Pérez. Learn about behavior, punctuality, tipping, body language and more, Friday, January 17, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Creative Writing with Rachel McMillen, Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2-4 p.m.
Check the LCS office or website for costs and to sign up.
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. Chairs and cushions are provided and there are written instructions on meditation for beginners. There are no fees for practice opportunities, but donations are always welcome.
A special holiday gathering is happening at Casa Cacau, on the highway in La Floresta, on Monday, December 16, 5 p.m. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for reservation information.
Wednesday, December 18, the meditation period will be followed by a reading from “Insight Meditation: The Practice of Freedom” by Joseph Goldstein, from the section “How to Practice,” titled “Meditation Instructions.”
A yoga class is offered on Thursdays from 9-10:45 a.m. Mats and blocks are provided. The class is suitable for students at all levels, from beginners to advanced.
The HOA center is at Guadalupe Victoria 101. Information: heartofawareness.org.