Tequila tasting
The Lake Chapala Society hosts its fourth Annual Tequila Tasting Friday, February 28, 2:30 to 5 p.m. Experience over 30 different types of tequila with complimentary appetizers.
All the brands will be available for purchase by cash or credit card. Tickets available at LCS for 200 pesos in advance and 250 pesos at the door.
Poco a Poco garage sale
This community self-help group is holding a grand benefit garage sale Friday, February 28 and Saturday, February 29, beginning 9 a.m. at Calle Manglar 153 in Villa Nova in west Ajijic.
FoodShare currently provides monthly disbursements of food and staples to 55 economically challenged families in San Pedro Itzican, as well as to 49 patients suffering renal failure problems. The program also funds and supports a kitchen which provides after-school meals for an average of 40 hungry children Monday to Friday.
To make a donation to help purchase food via PayPal, see pocoapocosanpedro.com. Donations are made to the civil association, Brigada Estatal de Proteccion Civil y Bomberos J. Trinidad Lopez Rivas A.C. Please designate FoodShare.
Open Circle
Michael Reason presents “The Universal Power of Music” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, March 1, 10:30 a.m. to noon, on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society.
Music is all around us. It is an integral part of the human experience and has the power to transform our lives in myriad ways. Pianist and conductor Reason will lead us on a journey to discover how music can be the inspiration for change, how it can heal mind and body, and how it connects with the soul.
After leaving music college, Reason worked as music director on numerous theatrical productions in England during the 1980s before emigrating to Canada in 1991. Since then he has had a highly successful career as a professional orchestra conductor working with orchestras across Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. In addition, he has held the position of music director for the Prince George Symphony, the Niagara Symphony, and the Hamilton Philharmonic in Canada. He now lives in Ajijic where he founded the Lake Chapala Community Orchestra and has assumed the roles of conductor and artistic director.
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
Democrats Abroad
The Lake Chapala Chapter of Democrats Abroad will kick off its 8th Annual Film Festival Sunday, March 1 at the Cinemagic Theater in Plaza Bugambilias in Ajijic.
Nine films are included in the 2020 not-for-profit series, which will be shown every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. on topics covering humanitarian and environmental issues and U.S. politics.
The first film, “Bombshell,” portrays the women who brought down Roger Ailes – the creator of the Fox media empire. Films to follow will be, respectively: “The Panama Papers” about the largest global corruption scandal in history; “Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” with Tom Hanks playing Mr. Rodgers; “Official Secrets” based on a British intelligence specialist unexpectedly embroiled in the leadup to the Iraq War; “Women at War” about a passionate environmental activist; “The Laundromat” with Meryl Steep as an investigator immersed in questionable dealing; “Merchants of Doubt” concerning a secretive group of pundits-for-hire; “Parasite,” the first foreign film to win an Oscar for Best Picture; and “The Great Hack” about the dark world of data exploitation.
Proceeds from the 100-peso ticket price will be used to support the chapter’s non-partisan absentee voter registration at Lakeside.
To find out more about the chapter’s local interests and activities, write 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..
Genealogy Forum
Genealogy is not only a list of names on a family tree. If we are lucky, it also leads us to the stories and emotions that influenced our ancestors. It often brings to life history and events we have heard of before in a more personal way.
Join Jane Slaton for a presentation on the American Civil War, with letter and diary excerpts she found when searching for information about a family member. Monday, March 2, 1 p.m. in the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints, in Riberas del Pilar.
Everyone is welcome with any level of experience. There are no dues. The Church is located diagonally from Mom’s Restaurant and across the street, west from Orma Autoparts. Information and questions: call Phyl, 376-766-2722.
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 March 3 include: Powerful antibiotic discovered using machine learning for first time; air is cleaner than before the Industrial Revolution; a best-case scenario for the climate in 2050; we are not prepared for the end of Moore’s Law.
Moderated by Fred Harland and presented by Silicon Valley guy Richard Clarke.
Farmers Market
During March, the Lake Chapala Farmers Market celebrates its 10th anniversary with live music every Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at La Huerta Eventos on the Carretera in West Ajijic.
The San Juan Cosala Children’s Mariachi Band will play from 10 a.m. on March 3, followed by Jennifer Almaraz from 11:30 to 12:15 p.m.
TED Talks
The next Ted Talk is Tuesday, March 3, noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Lake Chapala Society Sala, when Elif Shafak presents “The Revolutionary Power of Diverse Thought.” Open to LCS members only.
“From populist demagogues, we will learn the indispensability of democracy,” says novelist Elif Shafak. “From isolationists, we will learn the need for global solidarity. And from tribalists, we will learn the beauty of cosmopolitanism.” A native of Turkey, Shafak has experienced firsthand the devastation that a loss of diversity can bring — and she knows the revolutionary power of plurality in response to authoritarianism. In this passionate, personal talk, she reminds us that there are no binaries, in politics, emotions and our identities. “One should never, ever remain silent for fear of complexity,” Shafak says.
Hosted by Bill Frayer.
Global Presidential Primary
Tuesday, March 3, the Chapala Chapter of Democrats Abroad will hold its Global Presidential Primary in Ajijic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the South Campus of the Lake Chapala Society (lakefront entrance of Del Paseo 50).
Reflecting the results of many primaries throughout the world, Democrats Abroad will send its own delegates from around the world to the Democratic National Convention to be held in Milwaukee in July.
Primary voters must reside temporarily or indefinitely abroad and fulfill the following requisites: be a U.S. citizen, a member of Democrats Abroad, age 18 as of November 3, 2020, and must not have already voted in another 2020 state presidential primary.
It is possible to register and vote on the same day in this primary. Voters may register in person or sign up and become a member at democratsabroad.org/join. Voters overseas may also download the Global Presidential Primary ballot and email it completed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at any time until March 10. Ballots must be received by Democrats Abroad prior to noon Pacific Standard Time on March 11.
Beginning Spanish
This class is designed for Lake Chapala Society members with no Spanish-language background. Classes are March 3, 10 and 17, noon to 1:30 p.m. Register at the LCS office or via the LCS website.
Lakeside Singles
The Lakeside Singles meet Thursday, March 5, 4 to 6 p.m. at Concinar, 16 de Septiembre 4D in Ajijic. 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..
LCS courses
LCS members can take advantage of a variety of courses and seminars.
• The Difficult Journey is a simulation of arriving at the Mexico/U.S. border and also preparing a trip to Mexico City. This is not a class but an opportunity to practice your Spanish in a stress-free and friendly environment. Friday, March 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Mexican Salsas with Ana Moreno. Learn how some of the favorite Mexican salsas in the region are made, what ingredients you need, how and where to buy them, how Mexicans use them and what food you can dress with them. Monday, March 9, 11 a.m. to 1:30 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. Thursday, March 12, 9 a.m.
Check the LCS office or website for costs and to sign up.
British Luncheon
The Lakeside British and Commonwealth Society holds its monthly luncheon on Saturday, March 7, 1 p.m. at Manix Restaurant, Ocampo 57 in Ajijic.
Ceri Dando will report on his attendance at the Regional Consular Conference held in Guatemala City on February 11.
Menu is a small salad, vegetable soup, fish and chips, asta fettucini with chicken or a large salad with protein. Dessert is Chocolate cake and ice cream.
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.
Gastronomic fest
Nine local restaurateurs will put on a tasting at the Chula Vista Golf Club Sunday, March 8, noon to 6 p.m. Get your tickets at Alex’s Pasta Bar, Tony’s, Letra CH, Machi Ma, Lake Taco, Dharma, Tomate, Gossips or Polé.
Purim
The Lake Chapala Jewish Congregation will celebrate Purim with two events: mask making with Diane Pearl, Monday, March 9, 1:30 p.m. and Improvisational Reading of the Megillah, Tuesday, March 10, 1:30 p.m. Sign up and pay for both events at Diane Pearl Colecciones.
LCS bus trips
Thursday, March 12, the Lake Chapala Society bus heads Tlaquepaque. Wednesday, to March 18 go to Galerias Mall and Thursday, March 19 the trip is to the Tres Mujeres Distillery in Amatitan/Tequila.
Check the LCS office or website to sign up and learn the departure time and cost of the trips. Registration and payment can now be made online at lakechapalasociety.com.
Insight Meditation
The Heart of Awareness (HOA) meditation center offers meditation sessions open to the 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.
March 1 – the first Sunday of the month – the center is open from 9 a.m. until noon for three rounds of sitting and walking meditation. Participants are welcome to come for all or just a portion of this extended practice period. Other opportunities for silent meditation are on Mondays at 7 p.m., Wednesdays at 4 p.m. and Thursdays at 11 a.m.
A yoga class suitable for students at all levels is offered Thursdays from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Mats and blocks are provided.
Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and heartofawareness.org. The center is at Guadalupe Victoria 101.