Mon04072014

Last updateMon, 07 Apr 2014 10am

Back You are here: Home Expat Living Expat Living Lake Chapala Laguna Chapalac Laguna Chapalac - April 4, 2014

Laguna Chapalac - April 4, 2014

There is nothing in this world that is quite as special as the unconditional love given by a dog to an adoring owner. Adoration, faith and trust glow from the eyes of man’s best friend – and there’s nothing quite like the welcome home a dog can give a loving human.

Plus, folks don’t question the mental state of people who talk to their dogs or cats – unlike people who talk and argue with themselves.

Add to these attributes the perceived protection provided by a furry friend and I suppose the list includes most of the reasons so many folks adopt a pet when they arrive at lakeside. What a great thing. Adoptions of rescued animals are the ultimate win/win situations. Unless, as is the case far too often, that instant family is a winter home instead of a forever home.

From the positive view, perhaps it could be better for a shelter dog or cat to have a home and a person for a while than none at all. Still what does repeated attachment and abandonment do to a pet’s emotional state and ability to trust? If having a companion for the short term is the intent of the adoptive owner, maybe the happiness and emotional needs of the animals would be better served if these prospective short-term pet parents signed up to foster pets during the winter months.

Now as the snowbirds are returning to the northlands in flocks and droves, there is the problem of what to do with that winter pet.

Chris Bublin, president of the Lucky Dog Adoption and Rescue, strongly suggests that snowbirds heading to their northern homes find a good forever home for pet they adopted last fall – before they leave.

Bublin added, “Please don’t give the animal to your employees. They may not love the pet as you do and they may not be able to afford another mouth to feed. All too often the animals given to maids and gardeners are put out into the streets as soon as the adoptive parent leaves for the airport.”

Local shelters are overrun with animals in the spring. There are the litters of abandoned pups and kits in addition to the many animals distressed shelter keepers find tied to the gates. And the timing could not be worse – just as the shelters are filled to capacity; their donated income falls off as the snowbirds leave the area. That means that there may not be room for Fido and Fifi when the departing pet owner strolls in on the day before they leave.

Chris had another dire warning for departing pet owners: “Please, please don’t just leave the dog in your house. That seems so basic you wouldn’t think I’d have to say it, but we’ve had to use ladders to go over walls and rescue starving pets. Every year around Easter large numbers of former pets end up on the streets. Please don’t let one of these be a dog or cat you adopted.”

Regalorama Distribution

Representatives from St. Andrew’s Outreach Program will present the proceeds from the December Regalorama on Sunday, April 6, 10 a.m. The following Lakeside charities will receive donations: UVA Scholarship Program, Centro de Desarrollo, Casa Hogar (Hope House), Centro Amor (Love in Action), Tepehua Centro, and Cruz Roja.

These funds will help pay for scholarships, health education, medical equipment, dorm construction, and other needs of the groups.

Villa Infantil

Kids from the Villa Infantil nearly stole the show at the March 29 Over the Rainbow benefit for the south shore orphanage. The youngsters charmed the large crowd attending the fashion show-luncheon by walking the runway to model children’s clothing, performing a Michael Jackson dance routine and closing the event with a sweet choral song.

TED Seminars

The Lake Chapala Society’s (LCS) Podcast Seminar series for members continues Tuesday, April 8, noon. Chair Ron Mullenaux introduces via TED Internet podcast Dr. Brian Goldman discussing “Doctors make mistakes. Can we talk about that?” Every doctor makes mistakes. “But,” says Goldman, “medicine’s culture of denial (and shame) keeps doctors from talking about those mistakes, or using them to learn and improve. Telling stories from his own long practice, he calls on doctors to start talking about being wrong.”

Rotary Club Speaker

Rev. Tim Schubert is presenting the program for the 12:45 p.m. Rotary Club Meeting on Tuesday, April 8 at the Hotel Real de Chapala. His topic is “Spiritual vs Religious, What is the Difference?”  

Rotary E-club

For those who would like to join the largest group of service volunteers in the world and are unable to attend the required weekly meetings there is a new option for Rotary membership.

Those interested can attend an informational meeting Friday, April 11, 3 p.m. at Restaurant Sonisa on the Carretera Chapala-Ajijic in Riberas de Pilar.

E-Club members can attend meetings and participate in service projects from any place in the world where there is an Internet connection. Organizers of the new group include Mac Whyte, Bob Salvatore, Allan MacGregor, Bernadine Janzen. Visit the local website for more information www.erotarychapala.org.

Church in a box

Xemina (center in photo at right) celebrated her first communion when lakeside’s Christ Church took their Church in a Box to Mazamitla on March 30. Others shown left to right are Fr. Habacuc of The Holy Family Mission in Mazamitla, Fr. Danny Borkowski and Deacon Rob Wells of Christ Church Lakeside.

LCS Bus Trips

The next Lake Chapala Society Guadalajara shopping trip to Galerias Mall is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9 (changed from the originally announced April 10 due to a bus conflict). Galerias and the adjoining areas include a variety of shopping options, including Liverpool, Sears, Best Buy, Zara, Sephora, Sanborns, Costco, Sams, Walmart, Mega and more.

The bus leaves from the La Floresta sculpture at 9:30 a.m. and returns at 4 p.m. Shoppers can sign up for the trip at the LCS from Monday to Friday, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The cost is 250 pesos per passenger.

Avid area shoppers in need of a major shopping fix should mark their calendars now to reserve space for the upcoming May trip to McAllen, Texas. The group will leave lakeside on Sunday, May 4 and return on Thursday morning, May 8.

The price of the trip includes round trip on the deluxe bus, three nights at the Hampton Inn, breakfast on three mornings, bus transportation to all McAllen shopping areas and tips for the long distance drivers. Due to new taxes, the price is 7,000 pesos per person for a double room or 8,700 pesos for a single room. There is a non-refundable 1,000-peso deposit. Those interested should sign up at the LCS soon so that bus and hotel reservations can be made. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Niños Incapacitados

The general annual meeting of Niños Incapacitados del Lago is slated for Thursday, April 10, 10:30 a.m., in conjunction with the regular meeting at the Hotel Real de Chapala in La Floresta. Coffee and cookies will be served at 10 a.m.

One of the children in the Niños Incapacitados program will be introduced to the group followed by brief reports from members of the board, the presentation of the organization’s budget for 2014, a vote to approve minor changes to by-laws and the election of officers. 

Everyone is welcome to attend. Those interested will find additional information about this all-volunteer group at www.programaninos.org. Niños Incapacitados helps low-income Mexican families pay for ongoing and/or major medical expenses for children with disabling or life-threatening illnesses.

Toastmasters Club

The Tuesday, March 25, meeting of the Lake Chapala Toastmasters Club featured a two-part contest. Winners in the humorous speech section were:  first place, Andrea Buenzli; second place, Tim Schubert; and third place, Alfonso Garcia. Written evaluations assist members improve speaking skills. Sofia Gainza received first, second went to Lucia Diaz and third to Luis Herardo in this skill. The first and second place winners in each category will advance to the contest’s next level in Guadalajara. 

The Thursday, April 8, meeting will be held in Spanish at Loyola Institute of Chapala at Allen Lloyd 151 in San Antonio Tlayacapan. The Institute is next to the Lakeside Little Theatre. For more information contact Tim Schubert at (376) 766-0920 or Maureen Jones at (376) 766-2338, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or visit   www.toastmasters.org.

Lakeside Progressives

The Lakeside Progressives will hold their regular second-Tuesday-of-the-month meeting at 4:00 p.m. on April 8 at the Peacock Garden restaurant in Ajijic.  They will continue their consideration of urgent issues and solutions to them that are not being addressed by either of the U.S.’s two major political parties, and they will dine together following the meeting.  All progressives are encouraged to attend this meeting.  To ensure adequate seating, please e-mail your intention to attend to Ken Crosby at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Jewish Congregation

The Passover Seder planned by the Lake Chapala Jewish Congregation is scheduled for April 14 at Roberto’s Restaurant. For information, reservations and tickets, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Passover Seder

The Chavurah Chapala Community is hosting their third Passover Seder  Monday, April 14, 5 p.m.  The Passover Seder is the traditional celebration of the freedom of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt and is one of the most widely observed of all Jewish holidays.

The Passover meal served at Number Four, Donato Guerra 4 in Ajijic, will include a choice of four entrees. The cost of the evening, excluding gratuity, will be 400 pesos.

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request a Seder reservation form. Instructions for completing and submitting the form will be provided. 

Chavurah Chapala is a community of Jews, independent of any formal religious organization, who gather for services, learning, socializing, and fun. For more information contact Maureen Davis, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or Shirley Kollin,  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Christ Church

Christ Church Lakeside will observe the the Holy Eucharist, Rite II, at 9:30 a.m. in The Little Chapel by the Lake, Carretera  10, Chula Vista.  The Fifth Sunday of Lent is traditionally referred to as “Lazarus Sunday” with the story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead as found in chapter 11 of John’s Gospel as this week’s gospel reading.  The raising of Lazarus sets the stage for Palm Sunday, which is celebrated April 13. The theme of Father Danny’s message is “Unbind Him,” and is focused on the story of Lazarus. 

The congregations of Christ Church and The Little Chapel by the Lake share a joint fellowship time between their two services from about 10:35 until 11:10 a.m.

This Sunday is the monthly potluck luncheon shared by Christ Church Lakeside and The Little Chapel by the Lake in the Fellowship Hall at about 12:15 p.m. The theme this month is “Picnic Fare.” Please come and bring some picnic fixins’.  Don’t forget to turn your clock ahead by an hour Saturday night!

Deacon Rev. Rob Wells, continues to lead Bible Study at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays  The study is newly focused on the Gospel according to Mark. Wells uses The Jerusalem Bible as his source text because of the richness of its cross-references, notes, and commentary. 

St. Andrew’s Anglican

Matthew, Mark and Luke indicate that the “trigger” event that led to the arrest and conviction of Jesus was His cleansing of the Jerusalem temple. The Gospel of John differs; he suggests that Jesus raising his friend Lazarus from death precipitated the panic of the religious authorities. Jesus posed an eternal, existential question to Mary and Martha and to Christians ever since:  “Do You Believe This?” That is the question posed by Rev. Winston Welty in his sermon during the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services. A time for refreshment, welcome, and fellowship in the garden divides the services. The children’s Sunday School program begins at 10:45 p.m.

“A Fresh Look at the Lord’s Prayer” continues during the sixth 11 a.m. Wednesday Lenten services in the old office building as the exploration of the familiar words continues. Even if you’ve missed the first five sessions of this study, each week’s session stands alone.  St. Andrew’s is located at Calle San Lucas 19, a block south of the Carretera in Riberas del Pilar.

Little Chapel

The Little Chapel by the Lake will share a refreshment period with Christ Church Lakeside beginning at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, April 6. In the 11:15 a.m. worship service that follows, Rev. Gene Raymer will deliver a message on “Building a Church.”

In their effort to serve the community, members of the congregation bring beans and rice on the first Sunday of each month which is given to Love In Action to help feed the children there. Rather than meeting at a local restaurant for lunch following the service, members will share share a potluck meal with the Anglican congregation.  

The Little Chapel by the Lake is an interdenominational congregation and welcomes all worshippers. The church is located on the mountainside of the Carretera just east of the golf course in Chula Vista.  

San Andrés English

The regular 9 a.m. English Mass is celebrated by Fr. Basil C. Royston. The English-speaking congregation is meeting again on Wednesdays during Lent for Mass followed by a discussion and study group led by Royston, “The Bible for Modern Catholics.

Center for Spiritual Living

The theme for the Friday, April 11, 5 p.m.  celebration service is “Getting Back in the Canoe.” Discussed will be a variety of techniques for  recovery after falling out of the spiritual boat.  A social hour will  follow.

The new Tuesday course for couples discussing how to “Build Healthy Relationships” begins Tuesday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. continues through May 27. Attendees will explore growing in relationships in order to have fun, have playful connections between the partners, apply practical approaches to relationship problems. Co-leaders Tim and Arlene Schubert provide a non-judgmental space for this group. For information and to register email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The group exploring “Practicing Compassionate Communication” continues  at 10:30 a.m. until noon on Wednesdays through April 16. These sessions help participants learn to have satisfactory conversations with friends, partners, family, and deal with difficult people in a mindful and empathetic way.   

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.

The Spanish Language Group is studying “The Five Gifts” on Thursdays from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at 16 de Septiembre 30. All other activities at Nicolas Bravo 17 in Ajijic. For information contact  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (376) 766-0920 or check the website at www.cslchapala.com

Hu Song

Those looking for a happier, more contented life or who need to lift a grieving heart are invited to join like-minded people in a contemplative spiritual exercise, HU Song. HU Song is held on the third Saturday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by a time for fellowship at the Spiritual Center on Nicolas Bravo 17B, Ajijic.

People of all faiths are welcome. This month’s HU Song is scheduled for Saturday, April 19. To avoid interruption, be sure to arrive no later than 10:20 a.m.

Contact Penny White at (376) 766-1230 for further information. The event is hosted by Eckankar Mexico.

Unitarian Universalists

Trudy Crippen will be the presenter at the Sunday, April 6 meeting of the Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.  “The Sin of the Fathers; US commercial and military actions, primarily in Latin America and the resulting resentment of America and Americans” will be the topic at 10:30 a.m. at Plaza de la Ribera, Rio Brave 10A. A coffee hour will follow.

For further information call (376) 766-1458 or (376) 765-7231 or go to www.lcuuf-13.org.

Site Map

Support

  • Email Us
  • 1-800-024-9432
  • 333-615-2177
  • 333-615-0606

Advertising

Features