Giving back
Elaine Howardson of So Chic Boutique and Ana Cristina Palacios of OHana Assisted Living in Ajijic held a Christmas party for 17 local families with 46 children from Ajijic.
Thanks to the kindness and generosity of the customers of So Chic Boutique and OHana residents, 117 gifts were distributed, while 200 tamales were made and served by OHana staff members.
“Two piñatas, Santa and an elf created a ton of fun for everyone,” said Howardson. “The joy and excitement on the children’s faces was a gift in itself to behold. Some got so excited about the clothing they received that they wore their outfits during the whole party. If they received a hoodie, they used the hood to scoop up the candies from the piñata they had just broken. Santa, as always, was the biggest hit of all, bringing joy to all the children and even several of us adults, who got to sit on his knee."
“All the moms who were present this year received a special little gift, and hampers were given out to most of the families,” Howardson added.
Open Circle
Dan Clark and Larry Pihl will present “Vote! Vote! Vote!” Sunday, January 4, 10:15 a.m., at Open Circle at the Lake Chapala Society.
This talk, moderated by LCS President Hunter Johnson, will present laws that give U.S. citizens living and working abroad the right to participate in the electoral process.
Many believe voting from abroad for U.S. citizens is under threat due to legislative efforts and administrative obstacles. One bill being considered (The PROVE Act) would require overseas voters to prove a current U.S. residential address or that of an immediate family member to receive a ballot, which deviates from the long-standing protections. Presenters will explain your voting rights as a U.S. citizen living abroad.
Clark is an attorney, licensed in Texas for 49 years, doing both civil and criminal trials. He worked as an assistant district attorney and an FBI agent. Pihl was educated in engineering and business management. He has been assisting voters in Mexico for 15 years.
Jaltepec Open House
Every day, many people drive past the Jaltepec sign on the Carretera, unaware of the incredible work taking place just up the hill. This February, Centro Educativo Jaltepec invites you to see it for yourself.
Visitors will enjoy a tour of the stunning facilities and a delicious lunch prepared and served by the young women enrolled in Jaltepec’s two-year university-level program in hospitality and entrepreneurship.
Through the values-based academic model, the students develop professional and personal skills that prepare them to succeed. The Open House offers an inspiring introduction to the mission and illustrates the impact of Jaltepec’s scholarship program. Many of the students come from underserved communities and depend on financial support to pursue their dreams. This event is an invitation to witness their journey and learn how you can be part of it. Formal invitations will follow, but space is limited. If you wish to reserve in advance, contact Chiemi Ma at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via WhatsApp at +1-253-335-8050.