The Guadalajara Reporter

Laguna Chapalac – March 8, 2014

Graffiti buster wanted

Antonio Enciso is looking for volunteers to help wipe out the graffiti around the Tepehua barrio in Chapala.  Enciso says no experience is needed, just a desire to help this economically-challenged community reflect what is going on behind the walls.

Enciso will be at the Tepehua Community Center on Friday March 14, through Monday, March 17, from 8 a.m. Volunteers may choose what hours and days they wish to work. Collaborators are asked to bring a lunch and painting supplies if they have them. For more information contact Enciso at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Record payout

A record number of University Vocational Assistance (UVA) students gathered at the home of Sue Torres to collect their funds for the coming semester. The UVA Scholarship Fund is now giving out 46 checks to students in various areas of study at a variety of university level programs in the area.

Over the past few years the program has seen a shift with several students now attending University of Guadalajara (UdG) campuses in Ocotlan, Tepatitlan, Ameca and Cuidad Guzman.  This is due to the difficulty of getting into the UdG in Guadalajara, as well as economics – it is simply less costly to live in the smaller cities.  

The program has also been expanding to assist graduates in receiving their professional license.  This step is essential in their careers, and UVA counsels students beginning two semesters prior to graduation to assure a smooth completion of this procedure.

Though the program gave out a record number of scholarships this year it also took on a larger than normal number of new applicants. Currently 11 students are in need of assistance.  Any amount of donation is appreciated and most of the students can be supported by setting aside 500 pesos a month.  

For almost 40 years this university program has helped students follow their dreams and get a higher education. To find our more about the UVA program contact Torres at 766-2932 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .   Better yet, come to the annual general meeting of UVA Scholarship Fund on Saturday, March 22, 1:30 p.m. at the Torres home in Ajijic (contact for map).

Oops!

The typo gremlins apologize for goofing up the date for the Over the Rainbow fashion show/gourmet luncheon benefit for the Villa Infantil. The correct date is Saturday, March 29. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Friday, March 21. Outlets include Cugini’s Opus Boutique, Diane Pearl Colecciones, Mia’s Boutquie and the Lake Chapala Society.

And while we’re at it, let’s clarify that popular entertainer Mac Morrison will perform just a couple a songs in a cameo appearance.

Mobility equipment expo

Movilidad Sin Límites, a Guadalajara outfit specializing in sales and services for mobility equipment used by persons hampered by physical disabilities, is sending personnel to Ajijic this weekend to set up an exhibition of its products, scheduled in conjunction with the annual Leisure and Learn workshop organized by Ajijic residents Keith and Penelope Caragonne.

The display of motorized scooters, wheelchairs, lifts and other gear will be open to the public Friday, March 7 through Sunday, March 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The location is Hidalgo 79, one block east of Seis Esquinas. A technician will be available to work on simple repair jobs.  For a look at the company’s full product line and related information log on to  www.movilidadsinlimites.com.

Fauna Silvestre Mexico

Fauna Slivestre Mexico (Lakeside Wildlife Rescue) invites Lakeside residents to stop by the Malecon in front of the Beer Garden in Chapala on Saturday March 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  In addition to learning more about the local fauna, visitors may also have their photo taken free of charge with one of their non-releasable animals.

Democrats Abroad

March is shaping up as a busy month for the Lake Chapala Chapter of Democrats Abroad Mexico.
The organization’s monthly membership meeting, featuring reports from February activity and a discussion of plans for the year ahead, will be on Monday, March 10, 4 p.m. at La Bodega Restaurant in Ajijic.
Heading the planning list is a discussion about how to celebrate the 50th anniversary year of Democrats Abroad. 

“While discussions are in the preliminary stage at this point, the 50th anniversary will be a big part of our annual Fourth of July celebration this year,” says Francis C. Reidelberger, executive chair of the Lake Chapala Chapter.  “President Obama has written a personal letter to all Democrats Abroad chapters, commending the organizations for the work they do to help all expats properly register and vote from abroad in federal elections.”  

Democrats Abroad has chapters in 54 countries.  Mexico is the fifth largest in membership and Lake Chapala is the largest chapter in Mexico.

The organization’s major objective is providing voter registration and absentee voting assistance for all U.S. citizens living abroad.

Membership in Democrats Abroad is free and anyone interested is invited to attend the monthly meetings.
For more information call 763-5271 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Feathered friends

The Lake Chapala Birders group has scheduled three excursions for the month of March. The destination for Monday, March 10 is the Cajititlan marsh, located about a 30-minute drive from Ajijic. A carpool caravan will depart from Donas Donuts at 8 a.m., returning at around 10:30 a.m. for breakfast at Sunrise Restaurant. Interested parties are asked to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if they are able to provide transportation.

On Wednesday, March 19 there will an outing to the lake front at El Bajio, on the western outskirts of Ajijic. The group will gather along the lateral road at the exit point on south side of the highway, 8 a.m., to scout for field and shore birds.  Breakfast at Fonda Doña Lola follows.

The birders will carpool to the Rosa Amarilla loop, about one hour away, on Friday March 28, heading out again from Donas Donuts. The objective is to spot diverse species inhabiting the plateau above the south side of the lake. Participants are advised to bring refreshments of choice. The estimated return time is 2 p.m.

For more detailed information consult the ChapalaBirders.org website, call (376) John and Rosemary Keeling at 766-1801 or direct questions to the aforementioned email.

LCS seminars

The Tuesday, March 11 seminar (noon–1:15 p.m.), available for Lake Chapala (LCS) members, will be chaired by Gary Thompson.  It features (via TED Internet podcast): Susan Cain: “The Power of Introverts.”  In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, as Cain argues in this passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated.  She is the author of the best-selling book, “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.”

The 2 p.m. lecture is “Modern Mexico: Critical Issues for the Present and Future” by Rick Rhoda.

Progressives

The Lakeside Progressives will hold their regular second-Tuesday-of-the-month meeting on March 11.  Having agreed at last month`s meeting that man-made global climate change, which threatens to make the earth uninhabitable by humans, is the most serious problem that mankind faces, members will consider how to convince people of that fact, so that action will be taken to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases that are causing it.  As time permits, members may also consider actions to reform political campaigning and election procedures to make them more responsive to the wishes of the people and actions to promote economic justice.  All progressives are welcome to attend the meeting at 4 p.m. in the meeting room at the Peacock Garden restaurant in Ajijic.  To ensure adequate seating at the meeting, please e-mail your intent to attend to Ken Crosby at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Canadian Club

The Canadian Club meets at La Nueva Posada, Ajijic on Wednesday, March 12, when Jalisco Attorney General Carlos Najera will share his experiences in Canada with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and discuss security in the state.  A special guest will be Enrique Ramos Flores, the Jalisco Secretary of Tourism.

The social hour begins at 3 p.m. and the program at 4 p.m. There is 50 peso charge for non members.

How-to on composting

Pick up tips on turning kitchen and garden wastes into rich organic fertilizer when the Veggie Growers Group gathers to delve into composting techniques. The newly formed circle of home gardeners will meet Wednesday, March 12, 10 a.m., at Azul Frida Restaurant, located at the west end of Ajijic, Carretera de Poniente 162 on the service road opposite Villa Nova.  For further information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Lakeside Conservatives

The Wednesday, March 12 meeting of the Lakeside Conservatives (LCG) will be held at 4 p.m. at Sol y Luna on Rio Bravo, Ajijic.  Daniel’s Restaurant will also feature a special menu for after the meeting.

Two LCG members will team up to present a unique presentation titled “Mind Control, Lies, and Chocolate – How Republicans Have Become Impotent.”   They will provide a clear picture on what “political correctness” really is, where it came from, and what we can do about it.  Questions and answers will follow the talk.
LCG meets monthly at Sol y Luna.  They provide interesting monthly speakers and welcome new members.

For membership information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  

Spay and neuter

Operation Amor will be holding a spay and neuter clinic at the Tepehua Community Center Saturday, March 22, Sunday, March 23, and Monday, March 24, from 9 a.m.  to 5 p.m. on each day. If you would like to volunteer or want more information, contact Cameron Peters at   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Red Cross Sock Hop

In the mood to kick up your heels and relive the good ole days? Then you won’t want to miss the Cruz Roja Rockin’ Pop Sock Hop, coming up Thursday, March 20, 4-8 p.m. at the Hotel Restaurant Perico.

The event is pegged as a fun fundraiser for the Chapala Red Cross – nothing fancy or formal, just great music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s to enjoy in a relaxed atmosphere. The venue is located around the midpoint of the Libramiento bypass, with entrance right next to the Michelin tire outlet.   

The Doo Wops will be there playing live in an opening set to warm up the crowd, followed by DJ Howard spinning big hits from the era. Make your advance requests for favorite canned tunes by March 14 when you pick up tickets the Cruz Roja Table at the Lake Chapala Society. Tickets are also available at Diane Pearl Colecciones, Ocampo at Colon.

Admission is priced at 199 pesos a head. Purchase hamburgers and hot dogs hot off the grill throughout the party and get your fill of wine, beer, margarita and other drinks offered at affordable prices from the cash bar. Guests are encouraged to dress up in retro attire.

Open Circle

At the Open Circle meeting on Sunday, March 9, David Greenstein  will talk on “The Innocence Project,” a private network of “chapters” dedicated to getting wrongfully convicted innocent people released from prison.

The Innocence Project has permitted the release of hundreds of innocent people from prisons throughout the world, including Mexico. It has also has saved people awaiting execution for crimes they didn’t commit.
Greenstein has been a full-time Lakeside resident for the last ten years. In the 1990s he built and ran the Enterprise Bed and Breakfast in the Cayman Islands – a Star Trek-themed guest house. He features in the Paramount Pictures movie “Trekkies.”

Weekly Open Circle gatherings start with coffee, tea and sandwich bites for socializing at 10 a.m., followed by the program at 10:30 a.m. sharp.

Hu Song

Looking for a happier, more contented life?  Need to lift a grieving heart?  Join like-minded people in a HU Song held on the third Saturday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by fellowship time.  The HU Song is a contemplative spiritual exercise.   It is held at the Spiritual Center on Nicolas Bravo 17B, Ajijic. People of all faiths are welcome.

This month’s HU Song is scheduled for Saturday, March 15.  The door is monitored and closed at 10:30 a.m., so be sure to arrive no later than 10:20 a.m.   Contact Penny White at 766-1230 for further information.  The event is hosted by Eckankar Mexico.

Presbyterians

On Sunday, March 9, Lakeside Presbyterian Church continues its series of sermons based on the Lord’s Prayer.  Pastor Ross Arnold’s examination of the Lord’s Prayer has been a revelation of the layers of meaning contained therein, their interpretations perhaps obscured by too much familiarity.  How many times have we repeated this best-loved prayer without truly thinking about what we were saying?

Pastor Arnold continues his sermon series with an examination of the text “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”  His sermon is entitled “Protection and Deliverance.”  We must ask ourselves, can we expect God to keep us from being tempted?  Is it really fair or reasonable?  And what “evil” is it that we are to ask God’s help to deliver us from?

Sunday worship begins at 10 a.m. There is fellowship and refreshments following the service.  Lakeside Presbyterian Church is in Riberas del Pilar, on the mountain side of the Carretera, between S&S Auto and Vigolari, marked by LPC’s sign “You have family at Lakeside!”

Little Chapel

The Little Chapel by the Lake maintains its regular Sunday schedule on March 9. The mid-service refreshment period with Christ Church Anglican Fellowship begin at 10:45 a.m.  The regular worship service begins at 11:15 a.m. when  Dee Hauser will present special music, “The Lord’s Prayer.” That will be followed by Rev. Gene Raymer’s message, “What Kind of Messiah?”

The Little Chapel by the Lake is located on the mountain side of the Carretera just east of the golf course in Chula Vista.

Christ Church

Christ Church Lakeside will celebrate the first Sunday of Lent, on March 9 by celebrating Holy Communion, Rite II at the Little Chapel by the Lake, on the Carretera next to Chula Vista golf course. Warden Jim Powers will be preaching his sermon “Don’t Tempt Me.” Christ Church Lakeside and the Little Chapel enjoy a joint fellowship between their two services from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

Bible study will resume on March 11 at 10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Deacon Rob Wells is using the Jerusalem Bible as a guide. The group will continue its study of Matthew. It is not necessary to have attended any previous sessions; all are welcome.

St. Andrew’s Anglican

How do you suppose Eve felt, years and years later, remembering how it all started, and remembering, too, how it had all fallen apart?  What sort of regret or recrimination did she harbor in her soul?  Were her dreams haunted by visions of the past or premonitions of the future?  On this first Sunday in Lent we hear once more the Genesis story of a lost paradise, the ancient account of our spiritual roots.  In response to that primordial narrative, Fr. Winston Welty’s sermon, “To Dream of Paradise,” speculates on what later life might have been like for our first forebearers, and how their longing to regain what had been lost is our longing as well. 

Worship at St. Andrew’s is at both 9 and 11  a.m., with a time of refreshment, fellowship and welcome in the garden between the two services, and our children’s bilingual Sunday School starting at 10:45 a.m.

The second in the seven-part Lenten Bible Study – “A Fresh Look at the Lord’s Prayer” – takes place on Wednesdays  at 11 a.m. in the old office building.  Everyone is welcome.

St. Andrew’s is located at Calle San Lucas 19, just a block south of the Carretera in Riberas del Pilar.

Center for Spiritual Living

The celebration service topic at the Center for Spiritual Living (Nicolas Bravo 17, Ajijic) on Friday, March 14, 5 p.m.is “Our Growth Edge – The Promised Land is just beyond the frontier of fear.”  A social hour follows the service.

Practicing Compassionate Communication continues on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon through April 16. Here you can learn to have satisfactory conversations with friends, partners, family and those difficult people in our lives in a mindful and empathetic way.   

The Thursday discussion group shares the book “A Thousand Names for Joy” by Byron Katie. The program begins with an optional meditation from 10-10:20 a.m. followed by the group from 10:30 a.m.-noon. The Spanish-language group discussing “The Ten Concepts of Science of Mind” meets on Thursdays at 16 de Septiembre 30, from 7-9:30 p.m.

For more information contact  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , call 766-0920 or check the website at www.cslchapala.com.

Unitarians

The Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalist fellowship meets every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at the Plaza de la Ribera (Rio Bravo 10A). Please contact either Fred Harland, 766-1458 or Sandy Wallin, 765-7231 for further information.

On Sunday, March 9 Fred Harland will speak on “Reflections from Angkor Wat: Their Stories and Ours.”