Open Circle
Dr. Ellen Sharp presents “The Majesty of Monarchs: Challenges to their Conservation in Mexico” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, August 15, 10:30 a.m., at the Lake Chapala Society.
Many have misconceptions about Mexico’s monarch migration, including where they go, what they do when they’re here, when the best time to see them is, and why their forest is in danger.
Dr. Sharp says she will talk not only about how to see the butterflies, but also about “how to help them and why monarch conservation must be radically re-envisioned if this fragile phenomenon is to survive.”
When Dr. Sharp first saw the monarch migration in 2011, she fell in love, both with the butterflies and with her guide. In the years since, she and now-husband Joel Moreno Rojas have launched JM Butterfly B&B, an eco-tourism business in Joel’s hometown of Macheros in the State of Mexico.
They have also created the forest conservation non-profit Butterflies & Their People, which employs six full-time forest protectors in the Cerro Pelón Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary.
Chapala Birders
Monday, August 17, the Lake Chapala Birders meets 8:15 a.m. by the sculpture at the only traffic light in La Floresta, leaving immediately for Villa Corona on Lake Atotonilco (a 60-minute drive).
Expect to see various shore birds, such as white-faced ibis and roseate spoonbill. Bring your own mid-morning refreshments for a break at 11 a.m.
The return to Ajijic is scheduled at 1:30 p.m.. Reserve at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least two days ahead, noting if you are able to bring a vehicle or whether you are looking for a ride.
Lakeside Freethinkers
Donna Steadman will give a report on Chris Hedges’ book, “American Fascists – the Christian Right and the War on America,” at the next virtual (Zoom) meeting of the Lakeside Freethinkers, Wednesday, August 18, 4 p.m.
Say the Freethinkers: “25 years ago, when televangelists first spoke of the United States becoming a Christian nation, it was hard to take such rhetoric seriously. Today, such language no longer sounds like an overstatement but poses a very real threat to our freedom and our way of life. Although written about 14 years ago, the book is probably more relevant now than when it was published in 2008.”
To join the meeting or for more information, 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..
The Lakeside Freethinkers define a “freethinker” as a person who is an atheist, agnostic, secular humanist, or skeptic. They believe that individuals should not accept ideas proposed as truth without recourse to knowledge and reason. They reject belief in the supernatural.
LCS Classes
Ana Moreno gives Mexican cooking classes at the Lake Chapala Society;
• Mexican Salsas, August 20, 1-3 p.m.
• Making Corn Tortillas and Other Masa Dishes, August 25, 1-3 p.m.
• Aguas Frescas, August 27, noon-1:30 p.m.
• Holy Mole, September 8, 2- 4 p.m.
Class sizes are limited. LCS members only. Sign up at the office or on the LCS website.
Fun Day
The Royal Canadian Legion in Mexico is sponsoring a Lakeside Community Fun Day Saturday, August 21, 1 to 5 p.m. at the property of the Sisters of the Order of Benedictinas, located across the highway from Panino’s Deli.
Enjoy an afternoon of fun, games and Canadian food and drinks.
Tickets are available at O’Rourke’s or Kinda Bazar. Contact: 331-758-0676.