LCS updates
• Instructor Alfredo Perez will give a class to prepare for state driver’s license exams, Wednesday, November 18, 3 to 4:30 p.m., at the South campus patio.
• Ted Rogers will give a course on “The Five Revolutions that Shaped Western Thought” in a series of seven sessions, Mondays, December 7, 14, 21 and 28, January 4, 11 and 18, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom.
• Rachel McMillen will give the popular “Introduction to Lakeside” presentations at the LCS gazebo. Exploring Lakeside, session 1, held Monday, November 9, 10:30 a.m. to noon, will cover: Where exactly is Lakeside? Lakeside communities, Ajijic village, fiestas, and the Lake Chapala Society.
Exploring Lakeside, session 2, held Friday, November 13, 10:30 a.m. to noon, will touch on health, medical, eating-out/eating-in, money/banks, ATMs, churches, entertainment, recreation, transportation, accommodation and utilities.
To register for these courses, see the LCS website or stop into the LCS office.
• U.S. adult passport renewals at the Lake Chapala Society will be available Thursdays, November 5 and 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. Forms and information are at the LCS office. Questions may be directed to Norm Pifer 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..
• Skin cancer screenings will resume in November on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Sign-up is required in the LCS office. No walk-ins /work-ins.
The screening is free. There is a cost for treatment. No other dermatological concerns will be addressed at the LCS.
Lake Chapala Birders
Although Lake Chapala Birders leaders John and Rosemary Keeling have not scheduled any bird-walks or trips in the last seven months due to Covid restrictions, they and others continue to bird independently in the Lake Chapala area.
Two new species recently spotted are the Costa’s Hummingbird, seen near Mezcala and the gray-collared Becard, that normally lives in the oak forests at the top of the mountain range above Chapala and Ajijic. The hummingbird male is easy to spot as it has not just a purplish-colored gorget, but the color extends from the throat to the crown and It winters along the northwest coast of Mexico. Lake Chapala is on the very edge of its winter range. The Becard is a small flycatcher with a dark cap and a flat-topped head seen in the higher levels of tall trees. It is an uncommon resident in various parts of Mexico, but is known to be an altitudinal migrant, moving to lower altitudes in winter.
Two annual local Christmas-time bird counts will be conducted this year: on Tuesday December 15, for the Ajijic area, and on Thursday December 17, for the dike at the east end of Lake Chapala near Jamay and La Barca. Keeling notes that they will follow whatever government protocols for Covid-19 are in force at the time, such as smaller teams. Registration will take place on December 11 and 12.
For information or to send a notice of a bird sighting, 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.. See their website at chapalabirders.org.
Remembrance Day update
Wednesday, November 11 is the Canadian Remembrance Day and American Veterans Day. ANAVETS Mexico had received a permit from Chapala City Hall to hold a combined ceremony to recognize both countries. But, with the Jalisco state government implementing additional restrictions, ANAVETS have cancelled the in-person ceremony.
Instead, they will provide a virtual service on November 11. Details and links to the video will be announced at anavetsmexico.com and facebook/ANAVETS Mexico Unit #19. All elements of the service, including the colour party, piper and bugler, will be included.
A second video, a virtual Wall of Honour and Remembrance, will also be available soon on the website and Facebook page.
Those who purchased tickets for the November 11 dinner should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange a refund.
Join ANAVETS online to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and to honor all who have served and are serving their countries.
American Legion
The Veterans Day celebration is still on for Wednesday, November 11, at American Legion Post 7 Chapala. The ceremony honoring all those who have served in uniform begins at 10:55 a.m. A dinner will be served with two seatings: noon to 3 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Music is by Blue Cadillac. Call 376-765-2259 for more information. Seating is limited; but tickets were still available a press time.
Tech classes
Local technology guru Michael Goss teaches tech classes Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m. via Zoom.
He is also available for tech help for phones, laptops, tablets, TV questions, cell phone op¬erations, email and everything tech at the American Legion, Thursday, noon to 3 pm. For more information, email him 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..