Open Circle
Lina Doyle presents “The Secret of Learning a Language” on Sunday, May 3, 10:30 a.m. at Open Circle.
You may ask how some people can “pick up” a language easily, but others struggle for years and still feel inadequate. Many books have been written on the subject, and many language programs promote different approaches, but all seem to lack a practical way to do it successfully.
The secret of learning a language is careful listening and careful imitation. Keeping it simple is the best way to learn to speak a language. Studying grammar and conjugating verbs will only freeze your ability to speak. Children have no clue what the subjunctive tense is, yet use it with ease. Speaking is a skill, in any language, never a subject. To be skillful at any activity, you must have a coach and practice, practice, practice.
Doyle was born in Venezuela of North American parents who retired in 1970 to Ajijic. She holds a BA in Education from the University of the Incarnate Word and was a bilingual primary school teacher in San Antonio, Texas and Woodburn, Oregon. She speaks English, fluent Spanish and Italian. She has been the owner-director of the Colegio de Axixic since 2009.
Democrats Abroad
• If you need U.S. ballot assistance or help to request your 2026 ballots, visit Democrats Abroad at the Lake Chapala Society, Mondays, May 4, 11, 18 and 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or go to VoteFromAbroad.org.
American Legion
Monday is music poker day at Post 7 Chapala. Start with a dash of music trivia, throw in a healthy portion of Name That Tune, add an equal amount of poker and bingo, sing along and dance to taste, and serve to a rowdy crowd, and you have the perfect recipe for music poker. Games are at 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
More Music Bingo
• Fridays, 5:30 p.m. at Johnny’s Lounge and Cocktails, Gonzalez Gallo 86 in San Antonio.
• Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. at Smoke House Restaurant/Bar, Carretera Pte. 520 in Ajijic.
Move it!
• Thursdays, 11:30 a.m., join Frank’s Dance Lessons and DJ Service for Sexy Salsa and Cha cha hip movement on the Ajijic Plaza.
• Leonor Zertuche Coindreau is holding Flamenco classes on Thursdays, 10 to 11 a.m. at Centro Cultural Ajijic. No experience needed. The cost is 150 pesos per class or 400 pesos per month. Register at 331-250-8354.
Art workshops
• A Mexican folk art workshop focusing on metal embossing of crosses will take place at El Pilar Bistro in Riberas del Pilar, Saturday, May 23, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Three techniques will be taught: stained-glass painting, markers and acrylic. All materials included and free coffee and conversation. The cost is 500 pesos. Information and registration: 333-406-9981.
• Kathie Karancz is holding a stained glass round mosaic workshop May 16 to 18, noon to 4 p.m. (ish). Cost is 1,500 pesos and all materials are included. To register, email: tribalturtle1234 @icloud.com.
Help!
A pantry donation drive for Under the Tree Girls Home in El Chante (60-plus girls aged 9-17) is taking place at three locations, May 1-5. Items most needed: cooking oil, tomato sauce and paste, spaghetti and small shell pasta, rice, beans, dish soap, bleach, paper towels and Fabulosa. Also bags of popcorn and pretzels. Nothing microwavable. Not collecting clothes at this time.
• Jocotepec: contact Abigail Vicencio, WhatsApp: 332-620-8207; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Raquet Club: contact Molly Drummond, WhatsApp: +858-775-7199; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• San Antonio: contact Mary Heed, WhatsApp: 332-622-7709; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..