Say Hello, Wave Goodbye
A special event is planned Saturday, June 14, noon to 4 p.m. at Laurie’s Market Café in Ajijic.
This celebration is designed to welcome Shannon Conshue as she assumes the the management of the take-out café. Also on hand to receive farewell and good luck wishes will be former café owner Laurie Jensen who is off to new adventures north of the border.
Helping Ajijic Limpio
Scott and Paula Young are working hard and fast every Saturday to keep up with their team of 15-20 area youngsters committed to cleaning litter and trash from the streets of Ajijic. The Youngs purchased and live in the long-time home of Juanita Reed, and are determined to carry on her legacy with a program they’ve named Ajijic Limpio. With so many enthusiastic youthful workers, they could use a few volunteers each week to walk along as the teams head into a variety of neighborhoods. They’d also be grateful for the donation of plastic gloves and bags for the project. To see how you can help with this effort, which begins each Saturday morning near the intersection of Ocampo and Francisco Villa, call (33) 1710-5805 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Feria del Arte
This is the “Year of the Alebrije” for Lakeside’s 11th annual Feria del Arte which is set for November 14-16 at the Chapala Yacht Club.
Alebrijes are fanciful, brightly colored animals and a favorite Mexican item for collectors. Those who attend the annual show will find a wide range of sizes and styles of alebrijes, along with the master artisan who makes them at the fall show, but there will be so much more.
To obtain an advance sample of what is to come in in November, the Feria will have a space among the other non-profits at the Lake Chapala Society’s Can-Am Day festivities. Attendees can volunteer to help at the show, to host an artisan family, or donate to help with the costs of putting on this huge event. Visit mexicoartshow.com for more information.
Rotary Club of Ajijic
Sydney Gay, a 42-year veteran of international business experience and producer of the musical theatre event “Divine Oooh,” is the guest speaker at the Tuesday, June 17 luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of Ajijic.
During the noon meeting, Gay will use a touch of drama and comedy to illuminate the rules for prosperity drawn by Rotary’s most progressive early leader A. Frederick Sheldon in a presentation she calls “Divine Oooh, The Power of Collective Consciousness.”
Gay left school in her birthplace, the French Quarter of New Orleans, to become an errand runner for church leaders and business giants including Lee Iacocca, and the American Jewish Congress.By 1965 she was working behind the scenes of Wall Street and on the front lines of Hell’s Kitchen, and in Haiti during the Duvalier regime.
She says, “My life has taught me, first hand, the significant role divinity plays in business, politics and war. Now, at age 71, my message is stronger than ever. I think it appeals to teenagers as well as seniors.”
Visiting Rotarians and guests are invited to attend the meeting at the Hotel Real de Chapala, Paseo del Prado 20 in La Floresta. Call (376) 766-5025, or (33) 1158-5461 to reserve a spot. Seating is limited. Those who attend are required to buy lunch. Doors open at noon for fellowship with the meeting beginning at 12.30 p.m.
Lakeside Freethinkers
The Lakeside Freethinkers will hold their regular third-Wednesday-of–the-month meeting on June 18. They define freethinker as a person who identifies himself or herself as an atheist, agnostic, secular humanist, or skeptic. They reject belief in the supernatural and rely on science and logic to guide their lives.
John de Waal will present a program, “Myths About Atheists,” and then lead the lively discussion during which members may bring up other topics. Dinner will follow the meeting. For the time, place and additional information, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Pet Food Drive
Local animal shelters are all at maximum occupancy and have been for some time. Despite the efforts of the spay-neuter clinics this is the time of year when these organizations are inundated with kittens and puppies as well as adult cats and dogs (and the animals left behind by the departing snowbirds.)
At the Wednesday tianguis in Ajijic over the course of the past three weeks Anita has taken in 12 puppies and 34 kittens. Perhaps she receives a few more animals than the other shelters due to her visibility at the market, but the others are experiencing a comparable population boom. Why do Anita and the others take in more animals when they already have all they can handle? Because the only other option may result in less than humane disposal.
With so many mouths to feed, the Thursday June 19 monthly pet food drive is even more vital than usual for these organizations. The monthly event is held, at the Lakeside Friends of Animals Shelter pet food store from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with customers naming their favorite shelter to receive the food they purchase.
Those unable to attend on the third Thursdays of the month can make a pet food donation at any time by just informing the store clerk of the chosen destination for the purchase. Customers making purchases on other days should also contact the shelter of their choice to notify them that they need to pick up the donation
Volunteers from Anita’s Animals, Lucky Dog, and The Ranch appreciate the support of the community that allows them to continue to rescue unwanted animals.
Apple Pie 4th of July Party
The Lake Chapala Chapter of Democrats Abroad Mexico are rolling all of the iconic favorites of Independence Day into a single birthday party for Uncle Sam. There’ll be hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, apple pie, live music, dancing, a 50/50 draw, and even a swimming pool at the 4 to 7 p.m. all-you-can-eat Apple Pie 4th of July Party.
Included in the day’s schedule will be Ed Tasca reading the Declaration of Independence. Local musicians Jay Shuffle, harmonica, and Paul Brier on guitar, will be on hand to play a mixture of country, blues, and rock and roll music.
The organization will operate a Vote From Abroad table to offer non-partisan information and assistance for all U.S. ex-pats, regardless of political affiliation, who want to vote from abroad in this fall’s election.
Caterers for the event are Marco and Elba Bouleau of Rey Taco in Chapala. There will be a cash bar with wine, beer, tequila, soft drinks and water. Tickets for the event, which will be held in a private Las Salvias residence, are available for 200 pesos each at Yoly’s Beauty Shop in Plaza Bugambilias; Lilifher Deli-Bakery, Colon 19 in downtown Ajijic; or from any Democrats Abroad board member or by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Lakeside wheels
Now here’s a blast from the past. A lakeside store wheeled out a display of uncommon bicycles this week of a type that most expats once knew and loved. The blue and red two-wheelers are not equipped with hand brakes or three, five or ten speed. The heavy frame, wide tires, old-style seat, and handy basket are all features from the 1950s, even the brand name “Huffy” embossed on the chain starts a series of memories rolling. There’s only one part of these bikes that seems very different – the price. Similar bikes sold in the 40- to 50-dollar range back in the day. These babies will set customers back the equivalent of more than 200 dollars.
Can-Am Day
Plans are forging ahead for the July 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. birthday party honoring Canada and the United States.
The Lake Chapala Society has selected the theme, People Helping People, for the joint celebration during which the July 1 Canada Day and July 4 U.S. Independence day will be feted with music, food and drink, speeches (short) and an entire array of other events.
Local nonprofit groups still have time to register for a space at the event. The high-traffic day is the perfect time to explain the work of the groups, sign on new volunteers and do minor fundraising. Nonprofits can email Terry Vidal at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for rules and regulations and additional information. Nonprofits should register quickly in order to ensure a space. Those wishing to attend can purchase advance tickets at the society for 50 pesos. Tickets at the door will be 100 pesos.
HU Song
HU Song offers participants opportunities for insight, inspiration, and spiritual guidance at the upcoming Hu Song beginning at 10:20 a.m. on Saturday, June 21. The contemplative spiritual exercise is held at the Center for Spiritual Living, Nicolas Bravo 17B in Ajijic on the third Saturday of every month.
The door is monitored and closed at 10:30 a.m. Contact Penny White at (376) 766-1230 for further information. The event is hosted by Eckankar Mexico.
Buddhist Community
The Heart of Awareness Buddhist Community meets in Ajijic for meditation and dharma teachings at 4:30 p.m. every Wednesday at Encarnation Rosas 9 in Ajijic. The subject of the Wednesday, June 18 dharma film is “Mindfulness and Concentration.”
Heart of Awareness is a non-sectarian Buddhist practice community grounded in the original teachings of the Buddha as preserved in the Theravada/Vipassana tradition. Membership includes people with Zen, Tibetan, and Shambhala backgrounds as well as those with no prior experience with meditation. For more information, call Karin Miles at 766-0020.
Center Spiritual Living
The exploration of global chants and dances continues at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 20 at the Center for Spiritual Living. Those in attendance are exploring chants and simple dances which express the depth, beauty and harmony of different spiritual traditions.
From 10:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays practical real-life applications of the teachings of Ernest Holmes in “Living Science of Mind,” are being examined one week at a time. Join at any time, no prior courses are needed for this course conducted by Tim Schubert, Arch Crane, and Beth McDonald.
The Thursday discussion group is sharing the book, “A Thousand Names for Joy” by Byron Katie. The program begins with an optional meditation from 10 to 10:20 a.m. followed by group discussion from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
A 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday discussion and meditation group on the principles taught by Louise Hay in “You Can Heal Your Life” at Casa Corazon de Andrea, 16 de Septiembre 30 in Ajijic. For more information about this Spanish group contact Maureen Jones (376) 766-2338.
Retreat Ajijic is scheduled for July 14-20. “Wake up and Listen” features John Waterhouse, World President for Centers for Spiritual Living. For details call Tim Schubert (376) 766-0920.
All events are held at the Center for Spiritual Living Lake Chapala, Nicolas Bravo 17, Ajijic.
Open Circle
The Sunday sessions of Open Circle begin at 10 a.m. each week at the Lake Chapala Society with coffee, tea and sandwich bites. The Sunday, June 15 presentation by John Ward begins at 10:30 a.m.
Unitarian Universalist
The Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalist Fellowship meets every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at Plaza de la Ribera, Rio Bravo 10A. On Sunday, June 15, Susan Miller will present “Prayer.” Participants will make Tibetan prayer flags for the library and their homes. For further information either call 765-7231 or visit the website at www.uuflc.org. There will be no coffee hour this Sunday.
St. Andrew’s Anglican
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will be the subject of Rev. Susan Sica’s sermon on June 15, Trinity Sunday at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church. Rev. Susan, the daughter of the late Rt. Rev. Melchor Saucedo, is the supply priest for St. Andrew’s for the remainder of Fr. Winston Welty’s absence.
The weekly service at St. Andrew’s begins at 10 a.m., and children’s Sunday School starts at 9:45 a.m. The service is followed by a time of welcome, fellowship, and refreshment in the garden. St. Andrew’s is located at Calle San Lucas 19, one block south of the Carretera in Riberas del Pilar.
The Little Chapel
The interdenominational congregation of The Little Chapel by the Lake will maintain the regular schedule with a refreshment period shared with the congregation of Christ Church Lakeside at 10:45 a.m. At11:15 a.m., Rev. Gene Raymer will deliver a message, “Answered Prayer,” as part of the worship service. Following the Father’s Day service which looks at how God answered the prayers of Abram, the father of the Hebrew nation.
The Mid-Week Movie will be shown at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18. The film shown in the sanctuary will be “God Is Not Dead.” Free refreshments will be provided for those attending the movie.
The Little Chapel by the Lake is located on the mountain side of the Carretera, just east of the Chula Vista golf course.
Christ Church
Christ Church Lakeside will celebrate the June 15 Trinity Sunday at 9:30 a.m. with the Holy Eucharist Rite II in The Little Chapel by the Lake, Carretera 10 in Chula Vista. The theme of Warden Jim Powers message is “Three in One, One for All,” based onMatthew 28:16-20.
The congregations of Christ Church and The Little Chapel by the Lake enjoy a common coffee fellowship time between their services from 10:45 till 11:15 a.m.
Deacon Rob Wells of Christ Church is leading a Bible study at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays in the Fellowship Hall of The Little Chapel by the Lake. Sessions last about an hour. The current topic is the Gospel of Mark. Wells uses the Jerusalem Bible for his main source because of its rich commentaries and notes.