Holiday charity happenings guide
December will be chock-full of special events geared to warm hearts and spread holiday cheer among the less fortunate folks in the lakeside area. If you’re feeling the spirit of giving, mark the following happenings on your calendar:

Running under the slogan “We All Dream of Flying,” the 2013 Lake Chapala Bird Festival takes flight Friday, November 22, with an inaugural event at the Centro Cultural Gonzalez Gallo starting off at 5 p.m. with a brief talk on wild bird trafficking, followed by an introduction to this year’s star species, the roseate spoonbill.
Looking for a way to unload unwanted household goods and other belongings in support of a worthy cause? Consider contributing stuff to the bazaar that will be held Saturday, December 7, in conjunction with the fund-raising open house at Las Calaveras, lakeside’s one-of-a-kind animal rescue sanctuary.
Lured by the promise of “delightful entertainment, delicious food and delovely accessories,” 102 ladies, plus a few brave men, gathered on November 19 at San Juan Cosala’s Viva Mexico Restaurant for an enjoyable luncheon fundraiser in aid of the town’s Operation Feed.