Open Circle
Steven Nousen presents “The founding moments of a nation” on Sunday, July 5, 10:30 a.m. at Open Circle at the Lake Chapala Society.
It’s July 5th, 1776. For the past 24 hours, rumors have swept through Philadelphia. Is it true? Has Congress just declared independence from Great Britain? No one can be certain. Meeting under strict secrecy, the members of the Second Continental Congress have revealed nothing publicly. Speculation fills the streets, but confirmed facts are scarce. In response, Benjamin Franklin has invited interested citizens to gather in the State House. A printer by trade and long a champion of an informed public, Franklin has devoted himself to sharing reliable information in uncertain times. The actions of Congress are certain to have life-altering consequences far beyond Philadelphia. You are invited to join Dr. Franklin and discover what the citizens of Philadelphia might have known exactly 250 years ago.
Nousen, an award-winning teacher and lobbyist, returns to Open Circle as Benjamin Franklin to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. For most of the 21st century, he has helped audiences better understand the most influential American of the 18th century. He has appeared before countless audiences in venues ranging from the Library of Congress and the National Geographic Society to elementary students across the United States.
Democrats Abroad
Voting and registration assistance in U.S. elections is available at The Lake Chapala Society, every Monday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or at VoteFromAbroad.org.
Helping Girls
A donation drive for the 65 girls ages 9 to 17 who live at the Under the Tree Girls Home in El Chante runs from July 8 to 12 throughout Lakeside. Personal items (new bikini or boxer underpants, sports and back closure bras and pedi-style socks for girls 9-17 and menstrual products) and school supplies (40 identical backpacks, notebooks, colored pens and pencils, sharpeners, erasers, file folders, index cards, highlighters, acrylic paints and brushes, glue sticks and scotch tape) are needed. Donation contacts are Mary Heed in San Antonio, 332-662-7709; Jude McKown in Ajijic, +1-435-632-0798; Molly Drummond at Raquet Club, +1-858-775-7199; Valerie Abemathy in La Floresta, +1-832-533-5959; Abi Vicencio in Jocotepec, 332-620-8207; or drop off supples at Kinda Bazaar in Ribers de Pilar during store hours.
Lakeside Singers
Join the Lakeside Singers for a sing-along at La Paloma assisted living home in Ajijic on Tuesday, July 21, at 4 p.m. Belva Velazquez will be the musician and bring the song books.
Jaltepec notes
• The Jaltepec Hotelery and Hospitality Technical University in Jocotepec held a contest among its second-year students who presented their business projects, a culmination of months of planning, testing, problem-solving and perseverance. Students demonstrated their understanding of budgeting, financial planning, promotion strategies, value propositions, sales techniques and customer engagement skills. The judging panel included two Jaltepec alumnae, Ana Paula Mendes (class of 2004-2006), owner of Hotel Restaurante Casa Barragán in Chapala and Mariana Lisbet Venegas Muñoz (class of 1996-1998), owner of Marianela Artisan Pastry in Ajijijc and Marco Antonio Aceves Lule, chef and owner of Casa Lule in Ajijic.
The winners were: First place with Cristina Cardenas who was recognized for developing a well-structured business concept (Latido — Artisan Fruit Punch) that combined product quality, market potential and a clear entrepreneurial vision; Second place with Marai Oliva (Mara’s Bake — Cinnamon Rolls) who received credit for her creativity, consistency and the strong identity she built around her product and brand; Third place was taken by Aniela Herrera (Jesabel Arte en Dulce — Artisan Jams). She got kudos for her dedication, attention to detail, and commitment throughout the development of her product. Special recognitions were given to Alexa Urzúa (Botaniks) and Joshua Hernandez (Chickpea Delights).
• Montserrat Gonzalez, co-founder of Leyenda 1925 Tequila, gave students an intensive course focused on tequila appreciation and service, where students explored the history, production process, tasting fundamentals and food pairing principles. They learned to identify aromas, flavors, textures and characteristics that distinguish different classes of tequila.a