Sunday movie
A dramatic recreation of the financial meltdown of 2008, “Too Big to Fail,” will be the first of eight films in the Sunday Afternoon at the Movies series, sponsored by the Lake Chapala Chapter of Democrats Abroad Mexico.
The movie will be shown Sunday, March 1, 1:30 p.m. at Cinemas del Lago, Theater #1, Bugambilias Plaza. Tickets are 50 pesos each at the box office.
There will be a moderated discussion period after the show for those who want to stay. It will be led by Paul Crist, an international economist who has owned and managed small businesses and served as a consultant on energy projects in Latin America as well as the United States.
There are seven more films in the series, one each Sunday through April 19. They are open to the public.
Net proceeds are used to help fund the organization’s Lakeside voter registration program open to all U.S. expats.
More information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Bilingual Toastmasters
Maureen Jones presented “The Visionary Leader: The Power of Our Unified Vision” at the English session of the local Toastmasters Club as training on the group’s vision statement. Patricia Guy, Janice Taylor and Andrea Buenzl demonstrated “preparation,” the word of the month.
The group is sharing a booth at the Chili Cookoff on Saturday, February 27 through Sunday, March 1 so Toastmasters can share the benefits of membership.
The group meets in the sala of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS) on Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For more information in English, call Guy at (376) 766-5181 or Marissa for Spanish information at (33)1600-5937.
LCS Seminars
The noon seminar in the Neill James Sala on Tuesday, March 3 for LCS members will be chaired by Bill Frayer and showcasing U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins presenting “Everyday Moments Caught in Times.”
Collins captures readers with his understated humor, profound insight and hospitable persona. Included in the session is a project with the Sundance Channel which turned several of his poems demonstrating his dry wit and artistic depth into delightful animated films. Five are included in the entertaining and moving talk. Collins lives in Somers, New York, and has been an English professor at City University of New York for more than 40 years.
The Tuesday, March 3 Podcast seminar at 2 p.m. in the LCS sala is a presentation by Karl Homann titled “Satire from the Roman Hills to Capitol Hill.” Homann’s lectures are always entertaining, as well as very informative and humorous. This session is open to the public, as well as LCS members.
LCS Bus Trip
Shoppers can head to Galerias Plaza and leave the car at home by signing up for the upcoming bus trip to Guadalajara scheduled for Wednesday, March 4. The bus leaves from the sculpture in La Floresta at 9:30 a.m. Lakeside shoppers can stroll the big mall which includes a full food court, fine restaurants and dozens of shops and stores, including Liverpool, Best Buy, Sears, Sanborn’s, Home Store and many other unique outlets. Shoppers can also visit the nearby Costco, Super Walmart, Super Mega and Sam’s Club. Tickets are available in the LCS office and will sell out quickly.
Mexican Cuisine
Chef Linda Harley will take her Authentic Mexican Cuisine Cooking Class students on a tour of Mexico without leaving her Ajijic kitchen. This month she is focusing the group’s attention on the specialties of Veracruz and the Federal District (D.F. or Mexico City)
The group will prepare Pescado Veracruzana (fish fillet in tomato sauce in the style of Veracruz) during the class on Tuesday, March 3, 4-6 p.m. The popular “Tianguis to Table” class will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Students will prepare Pasta Poblano and Pico de Gallo during the Mexican Soups, Stews, Salads and Salsa class on Thursday, March 5, 4- 6 p.m. The Mexican Lenten specialty from Mexico City, shrimp patties in red pipian, will be the focus of the class on Tuesday, March 10, 4-6 p.m.
Those wishing to attend can purchase tickets at 300 pesos per class at the LCS office.
Islam Talks
Fr. Danny Borkowski will present four weekly presentations on Islam beginning Friday, March 6, 3:30 p.m. in the Rancho del Oro home of Aideen and Brian Howard at Rio Nazas 43.
Borkowski was in the Middle East for 13 years and he will review the early history of Islam, the life of Muhammad, provide insights into the background of Islam and how the present situation of Islam relates to the historical situation. There will be a discussion time each week as well as a short evening prayer service.
British Club
Guadalajara Reporter editor Michael Forbes will be the featured speaker at the British Club during the Saturday, March 7, 1 p.m. luncheon meeting at Manix Restaurant in Ajijic.
Those wishing to attend must RSVP with their luncheon choice by calling Alicia at (376) 765-4786 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The lunch entrees are fish and chips with coleslaw or barbecue ribs with potato salad, baked beans and coleslaw. Each begins with soup or salad and includes cheesecake for 120 pesos including the tip. Those who prefer a dinner salad and dessert will pay 80 pesos.
Brits social group
For 25 years Sharon Sibson has organized a monthly gathering of Brits in Guadalajara. She recently moved to Lakeside and is hoping to form a similar social group to meet every two months and share drinks and food in various members’ homes. Sibson will host the first meeting in her Riberas del Pilar home. Call (376) 108-2179 for information and to register interest.
Auxiliary Victuals
The Cowboy Chuck Wagon is making a stop at American Legion Post 7 in Chapala when the Ladies Auxiliary cook up a wild west menu and bring on western entertainment, including Charro Marco Vázquez and live music from Fabian. The Thursday, March 12 event starts with cocktails at 3 p.m. and dinner served at 5 p.m. The menu revolves around a filet, church wagon beans, biscuits and open-face apple pie. Tickets at 180 pesos are available from the Legion at Morelos 114 in Chapala
Open House
Members of the Royal Canadian Legion are sponsoring a Saturday, March 14 open house from noon to 4 p.m. so that lakeside residents can become acquainted with the Asilo Corazon del Ancianos in Jocotepec. Refreshments will be served to the guests, the five ladies who are current residents, as well as the many others who spend their days in the center.
While this building designed to house the elderly is relatively new, recent settling or other earth movement has created problems in the facility and the elderly who come daily for meals, small bits of medical care, entertainment and stimulation desperately need whatever help the home can give.
The Asilo Corazon del Ancianos is on Privada Josefa Ortez de Dominguez in Jocotepec. For directions or additional information contact John Kelly, president of the Royal Canadian Legion via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Jewish History
Chavurah Chapala, an independent lakeside Jewish friendship group, is presenting a three-part movie series, “The Story of the Jews,” in the LCS Sala. This series explores the story of Jewish experience from ancient times to the present. According to reviewer’s notes, this story is “deeply historical and utterly contemporary, taking viewers on a journey from the Biblical past to tomorrow’s front pages …”
“The Story of Jews” by Simon Schama aired on U.S. television as a five-part part BBC/PBS series in 2014. The series will be shown at lakeside in three two-hour sessions on Friday, March 13, March 20 and March 27. Each screening will be followed by a discussion session.
Due to limited seating, reservations and tickets are required. Admission to the series is 100 pesos. Tickets are available from Jonathan Kollin at (376) 766-5149 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
St. Andrew’s
“Following Is For Losers” is the provocative title of Fr. Winston Welty’s sermon on Sunday, March 1, (ADD TIME) at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church. It is based on Jesus’ invitation to take up a cross and follow Him into rejection, suffering, death, and resurrection. The children’s bilingual Sunday School starts at 9:45 a.m. Coffee and fellowship follow the service in the garden.
Non-perishable donations for the feeding program supported by St. Andrew’s, including rice, lentils, beans, pasta, salt, and oil can be left in the baskets by the church doors.
The second Lenten Bible study will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 11 a.m. The series “Easter People” focuses on Simon Peter and how his “Lenten” road to the empty tomb changed his life. Each one-hour session stands on its own so attendees can come when possible.
St. Andrew’s is located at Calle San Lucas 19 in Riberas del Pilar.
Lakeside Presbyterian
“Many people see the existence of evil and suffering in the world as a sign there is no God,” says Pastor Ross Arnold of the Lakeside Presbyterian Church. “After all, how could a God who is both all-loving and all-powerful let suffering continue?” Arnold continues the “Why We Believe” series with a sermon entitled, “Why We Believe Evil Does Not Disprove God” during the Sunday, March 1 worship service.
Lakeside Presbyterian Church is in Riberas del Pilar, on the mountain side of the Carretera beside S&S Auto. On Sundays English language worship services are at 10 a.m., refreshments and fellowship at 11 a.m. with the Spanish congregation, and the Spanish-language service at noon.
The church is hosting a community sale on Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the new church building in Riberas del Pilar.
For a fee of 100 pesos early birds can shop early. That fee includes a free beverage and sweet roll. A few vendor tables are still available. Those interested can call (376) 766-5751.
San Andrés English
“Abraham was prepared to give God his only son, Isaac, in sacrifice. God wanted to do no less. ‘This is my Son, the beloved,’ God says to us,” says Fr. Basil G. Royston, D.Min. “Listen to him.” Royston will speak of God’s gift of his only son during the 9 a.m. English Mass at San Andrés parish church on Sunday, March 1.
On the first Sunday of each month members of the English-speaking congregation bring a variety of non-perishable goods, diapers, paper goods and cleaning supplies to the 9 a.m. Mass for a special offering to assist the children in the orphanage Villa Infantil de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe y San Jose near San Soyatlán.
Little Chapel
Rev. Gene Raymer will deliver a message on covenants during the Sunday, March 1 worship service of the interdenominational congregation of the Little Chapel by the Lake. “We want to look at God’s covenants with His people and the results of those covenants,” says Raymer.
Worship starts at 11:15 a.m., following the 10:45 a.m. refreshment period shared with Christ Church Lakeside each week. After the service, the two congregations will share a potluck luncheon. Members bring rice and beans to the service on the first Sunday of each month to assist the children at Love in Action.
The Little Chapel by the Lake is on the mountain side of the Carretera just east of the Chula Vista Golf Course. To learn more visit the church’s LCBTL Facebook page.
Christ Church Lakeside
Fr. Danny Borkowski will preside at the Sunday, March 1, 9:30 a.m. service at Christ Church Lakeside. Deacon Rob Wells’ message is titled, “Followers” based on Mark 8:31-38.
The congregations of Christ Church Lakeside and the Little Chapel by the Lake share a common coffee fellowship time between their two services from about 10:35 until 11:10 a.m. On the first Sunday of each month, they also gather a for a potluck lunch.
Wells also leads an hour-long Bible Study on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at the church. The group continues their discussion of the Gospel of Luke.
Unitarian Universalist
The Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalists Fellowship meets on Sunday, March 1, 10:30 a.m. at Plaza de la Ribera, Rio Bravo 10A. During the service Mardele Harland will introduce a video service from Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, “To Touch Inward Springs.”
The film relates how Transcendalists insisted that spiritual life could not come through tradition and that spirituality only comes from an individual and that individual’s experience. This film considers the first source of the Unitarian Universalist faith and the direct experience of transcending mystery and wonder.
Unitarian Universalists search for truth along many paths. They gather around common moral values that include the inherent worth and dignity of every person. They are a caring, liberal, open-minded community that encourages others to seek their own spiritual path wherever it leads. For additional information see www.uuflc.org.
Open Circle
“Making Friends with Dementia” is the program Karin Miles has chosen to present on Sunday, February 28 at Open Circle. According to Miles, a recent population study of men and women from all regions of the United States reveals that one of seven persons over 70 have one or more of the various forms of dementia.
Miles was diagnosed with vascular dementia last spring. During the months of slow and not-so-slow diminishment of capabilities, she has become pro-active in educating herself and others about dementia, including the benefits of full acceptance of the diagnosis, and intelligent management of constantly changing abilities and interests. She reports that instead of viewing the disease as a road block replete with suffering, the progression can be faced with a light heart.
Those attending the meeting gather for fellowship and refreshments at 10 a.m. at the LCS. The program begins at 10:30 a.m.
Go Dine with the Shrine
Presenting a certificate of appreciation to Pedro Arrellano following the February Dine with the Shrine event when nearly 80 diners were served at Restaurant Don Pedro are from left: Noble Denis de Kergommeaux (Commander, Anezeh Shrine Legion of Honor Unit); Noble Robbie Robinson (Chairman, DWTS Committee); Arrellano and, Noble Francis Dryden.
The Shriner’s next fundraising meal is the Ninth Annual Shriners Ribfest set for Wednesday, March 4 at Villa Encantada on the curve at the east side of Chapala. The doors open at 1 p.m. and Tony’s ribs and chicken with all the trimmings will be served beginning at 2 p.m.
Tickets, at 400 pesos are available by calling Noble Deker at (376) 766-2200. There’ll be great entertainment, and lots of good Shriner fun. The proceeds from this fundraiser will help with transportation costs and other expenses for lakeside children who need treatment at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Mexico City, and to pay for medical care, medications and other expenses for kids who receive medical care at lakeside or in Guadalajara.
Buddhist Community
Sunday, March 1 is the First Sunday Long Sit of the Heart of Awareness Buddhist Community. The session is held from 9 a.m. to noon. Attendees must arrive by 8:50 a.m. to prepare for three rounds of 40 minutes sitting and 20 minutes of walking meditation.
The group meets Wednesday, March 4, 4:30 p.m. for meditation and dharma teachings. The 30-minute meditation will precede the first annual meeting of the Heart of Awareness Community.
The sangha’s new location is in Plaza San Juan at Guadalupe Victoria 101 in Ajijic. 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 in Heart of Awareness is open to those with Zen, Tibetan or Shambhala backgrounds, as well as those with no previous meditation experience. For information on the sangha, call Janet Reichert at (376) 766-6069.