Operacion Amor
Operacion Amor co-chairs Amalia Garcia and Cameron Peters presented a certificate of appreciation to Yves de Choulet for hosting the September 30 fundraiser held at his popular Ajijic restaurant to celebrate group’s fifth anniversary and its record of 2,000 free spay and neuter procedures provided to low-income Chapala families.
Open Circle
Carol Kaufman, Jaime Navarro, and Tommy Arnold will present “FIZZ ED – The Lowdown on Fermented Foods & Beverages” at Open Circle on Sunday, October 9, 10:30 a.m. in the garden of the Lake Chapala Society.
All over the world, people are rediscovering the art of making and consuming homemade pickles, sauerkraut, yoghurt and naturally fizzy, probiotic-rich drinks. Three Lakeside fermenting enthusiasts will present a fascinating view of this fermentation craze, including the reasons to consume these superfoods and how to make your own.
Carol Kaufman moved to Ajijic eight months ago from the “foodie” haven of Sonoma County, California, where she learned all about fermenting. Jaime Navarro is founder and owner of Rancho La Salud Farm & Village, a USDA certified organic farm and sustainable co-housing development, where he practices and teaches organic farming and permaculture principles with his wife Sara. Tommy Arnold retired from Southwestern Bell/AT&T after 35 years and relocated in 2005 to the Lake Chapala area with his partner Irene. Arnold has been making and consuming fermented foods and beverages since 2009, and has enjoyed vibrant health ever since.
For more information, see opencircleajijic.org.
U.S. debates continue
Some 25 people showed up last Tuesday evening for the U.S. Vice Presidential Debate Watch sponsored by Democrats Abroad at Club Exotica, on the plaza in Ajijic. While numbers were far shy of the 90 plus who came the week before for the first presidential debate, spirits were high and the commentary pointed and sometimes picante. Join in for the last two presidential debates Sunday, October 9 and Wednesday, October 19, both at 7:30 p.m. at the same address and share your opinions and comments with the crowd.
Seven TV screens tuned to CNN International will be on. Food, including burgers, tacos and popcorn, will be available along with a cash bar. Admission is 100 pesos.
Another option to see the debates is at Chez Manu Café at Calle Degollado 223 in Chapala, across the street from Cristiania Park. They will open on Sunday evening especially for the presidential debate and again on Wednesday, October 19, offering patrons three large-screen TVs. Call (376) 108-1252 for more information.
Lakeside Progressives
At the Tuesday, October 11 meeting, the Lakeside Progressives will discuss the last two presidential debates. Regular attendees have expressed some doubts whether Donald Trump will actually show up for the next debate on October 9. Also on the agenda is Bernie Sanders’ new effort to elect progressives. It is called “Our Revolution.”
The Lakeside Progressives meet at 4 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Peacock Garden Restaurant on Colon in Ajijic. This is a group of like-minded people looking for progressive solutions to problems not being addressed by the major political parties.
Most attendees have dinner at the restaurant following the meeting. The group’s Facebook page is Lakeside Progressives. If you have questions, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Bring a progressive friend.
Lakeside Singers
The Lakeside Singers will present another sing-a-long at O’Hana’s retirement home, Wednesday, October 12. O’Hana’s is located at Calle La Paz 6 in San Juan Cosala. The dinner location for those who don’t want to cook will be determined by those singing at the end of the sing-a-long.
October 26 the group meets at Casa Nostra in Riberas del Pilar and November 16 again at O’Hana’s. All sing-a-longs begin at 4:30 p.m.
If you need a ride, contact Belva Velazquez at 766-0156 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Buddhists
The Heart of Awareness Buddhist Sangha meets weekly on Wednesdays. Noble Silence begins at 3:30 p.m. followed at 4 p.m. by a formal meditation period, dharma teachings and discussion. This week, on October 12, the t le Retreat titled “Letting Go and Going Forward.” Part Two is titled “The Inspiration for Change,” with Kevin Griffin.
The center is open for hour-long silent meditation periods Sunday and Monday, from 9 to 10 a.m. and Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon.
A yoga class suitable for all levels of experience is offered at Heart of Awareness on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m.
The Heart of Awareness is a non-sectarian community grounded in the teachings of the Buddha. Prior experience or affiliation is not required. The sangha is at Guadalupe Victoria 101 in Ajijic. For further information, visit heartofawareness.org, or call Janet Reichert at (331) 043-4669.
Lend a paw
Two groups are holding good-time fundraisers to benefit local pooches. The Lakeside Spay and Neuter (The Ranch) organization has joined with newly opened Food Lake Container Restaurant and Bar to hold a tasting buffet, with a 50/50 raffle and music, Tuesday, October 11, 5-7 p.m. The cost is 300 pesos and reservations can be made at 766-4738 or (333) 393-5164. Food Lake Container is located at Av. Hidalgo 456 in Riberas del Pilar.
Lucky Dog is holding its annual Purses for Paws event in Villa Nova Tuesday, October 18, 3-6 p.m. New and slightly used purses will be featured in a silent auction, while botanas and a cash bar will be available. Tickets, at 200 pesos, are available at Lakeside Friends of the Animals, Lucky Dog or Mia’s Boutique. Call Cindy, 106-1284, or Leslie, 765-7656, for more information.
Garden Club
Explorer, author and columnist John Pint revealed a breathtaking secret to a 100-strong audience at a recent meeting of Lake Chapala Garden Club held at The Raquet Club in San Juan Cosala. Pint and his wife Susy shared their contagious excitement in rediscovering the unique Maple Forest in Talpa de Allende.
First discovered in the 1990s, the maples, which also give syrup like their Canadian relations, live in a Jurassic Park-like landscape with prehistoric ferns, from the Pleistocene Age and surprisingly, mixed in with walnut trees. The forest is now recognized as perhaps embracing the most diverse ecosystem in Mexico. The Garden Club had a memorable and well informed tour with excellent shots enhanced by a superb sound installation. The tour guides with the Pints were leading agronomist Raul Lopez and paleontologist Jean Pierre Brunet.
The Puerto Vallarta Botanic garden added an extra treat, which the couple shared with the audience. Pint explained his surprise as his botanical expert friend, Miguel Cházaro, led him to new discoveries, not far from the forest and around 50 kilometers from the nearby beach resort.
The Lake Chapala Garden Club’s next meeting is at La Nueva Posada in, Ajijic, Wednesday, October 19, noon. Reservations are necessary. Contact Rosemary Grayson, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
CASA
Carol Westbrook (left) won first place in the the dessert category at the Culinary Society of Ajijic’s September meeting for her Kahlua flan with fruit, while Allisoon Quattrocchi took first in the main dish category for her chicken enchiladas with red chili sauce.
BBQ on the hill
Renowned El Salto Ranger BBQ will offer his smoky pork, delicious chili bean and potato salad at a benefit for La Ola Orphanage’s new construction project. The event will be held on the lovely grounds of Hotel El Perico, Saturday, October 27. Call 387-763-0749 for more information on La Ola and this event.
Golf
The Chapala Cruz Roja annual Golf Classic is slated for Thursday, November 3. Singles, pairs and foursomes are welcome. Entry deadline: Monday, October 31. Entry fee is 1,500 pesos. Dinner only tickets are 300 pesos. Registration is at the Country Club pro shop and dinner tickets can also be purchased at Estetica Yoly’s in Plaza Bugambilias. For more information, call Don at 766-4990.
Spay/Neuter Clinic
Operacion Amor holds a spay/neuter clinic November 4 to 6 in Chapala for dogs and cats of people of limited means. The group is pleading for volunteers to step up for this event. To have a great time and help this rewarding program, contact Cameron Peters, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Charity grant program
The Lakeside Charity Grant has been announced by the Foundation for Lake Chapala Charities. The organization’s grant program host fundraisers and sets aside all proceeds to support community projects or equipment.
The Lakeside Charity Grant’s first fundraiser is a starlit paella at Hotel Montecarlo in Chapala, November 10. For more information on the group, contact Margy Kassier, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., tel. 766-4337.