Lake Chapala Society Newsletter – November 2025

Exciting New Classes Coming to LCS This November!

The Education and Culture Department of The Lake Chapala Society continues its mission to keep members and the community informed, engaged, and empowered through a wide range of learning opportunities. In addition to our signature monthly classes—such as Mexican Manners, Introduction to Spanish, and How to Get Your Jalisco Driver’s License (Without Losing Your Mind)—we are expanding our offerings this November with three exciting new courses: Spanish Verbs: The Subjunctive, Practical AI: Using ChatGPT as Your Smart Assistant, and Discover the Benefits of Tai Chi. These new programs reflect our commitment to helping our community stay up to date in both technology and wellness, while continuing to provide practical, culturally enriching education for everyone.

Spanish Verbs : The Subjunctive -Mastering the Moods

A three-week course on Wednesday Nov. 12, 19 & 26

10am to 12pm

Members Fee $602.00 – General Fee $860.00.

Instructor: Gareth Collingwood

Unlock the beauty and complexity of Spanish with a dynamic workshop focused on the subjunctive mood. Whether you struggle with “si clauses,” doubt expressions, or simply want to sound more natural and confident, this workshop will guide you through the most common uses with practical examples and interactive activities. Perfect for learners who already know basic verb conjugations and are ready to take their Spanish to the next level. Don’t miss the chance to turn confusion into confidence!

Practical AI: Using ChatGPT as Your Smart Assistant

Friday November 14,

12:30pm to 2:30pm

Members Fee: $480 -General Fee:$334.00 MXN

Instructor: Peter Jeschofnig PhD

Artificial Intelligence is no longer science fiction—it’s here, and it’s surprisingly easy to use. In this course, Practical AI: Using ChatGPT as Your Smart Assistant, you’ll learn how to put AI to work in your daily life. We’ll explore how to use ChatGPT to draft emails, improve your writing, translate languages, plan trips, organize ideas, and even spark creativity. The class is designed for everyday people, not tech experts, and will include plenty of live demonstrations and hands-on practice. You’ll come away with a clear understanding of what AI can (and cannot) do, practical tips for making the most of it, and confidence in experimenting on your own. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or simply want to stay up to date, this workshop will show you how AI can be a helpful partner in learning, productivity, and creativity.

Discover the Benefits of Tai Chi!

Saturday November 15, 22, 29 and December 6 & 13.

10am to 11am

Members Fee: $1400 General Fee: $1820.00 MXN

Instructor: StewArt

Discover the art of balance and mindfulness in our five-week Tai Chi course at The Lake Chapala Society. Designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike, this class combines both theory and practice, guiding participants through the graceful movements and deep philosophy of this ancient Chinese discipline. Learn how Tai Chi can enhance your flexibility, strength, and mental clarity, while promoting relaxation, better posture, and overall well-being. Join us and experience how this gentle yet powerful practice can bring harmony to your body and mind. Class will be divided in 4 parts: Centering, Basic Joint Mobility, Yang Style Tai chi(16 form) and, Guided Healing Meditation.

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Open Circle Ajijic – NOVEMBER 2025 Schedule

(Updated 30 SEP)

All events take place Sundays, 10:15–11:30 a.m., at the Lake Chapala Society Campus in Ajijic.

No cost to attend (donations welcome).

All are invited, regardless of age or background.

Events are presented in English, but non-English speakers will find support from bilingual participants and staff.

Arrive early for coffee, snacks, and friendly conversation before the presentation.

November 2 – Yoga, a Tool for Transformation         

Presenter: Jorge Angel Santana

Are you a yoga enthusiast? Did you know there are yoga types, techniques, practice and rules? Expand your yoga horizons and adopt a goals-oriented approach to your Lakeside health and wellness routine.

About the Presenter: Jorge Angel is a retired attorney, with years of speaking, practicing and demonstrating yoga and meditation for more than 35 years. He has lectured in the USA, Panama, Belize, Mexico and India.

November 9 – Those Who Came Before Us: 1940’s Trailblazers Who Put Ajijic on the Map

Presenter: Tony Burton.

SPECIAL EVENT: You’ll not want to miss this look at the lives and motives of early Ajijic transplants like Herbert Johnson, Neill James, Helen Kirtland, Peter Lilley and others who began the village’s 1940’s transformation into one of the most cosmopolitan settlements of its size in the world.

About the Presenter: Tony is an award-winning author and educator who has been exploring, researching and writing about Mexico for over 40 years. His books include Foreign Footprints in Ajijic: Decades of Change in a Mexican Village (2022). His current focus is on the talented authors and artists whose work helped bring the Lake Chapala area to worldwide attention. www.LakeChapalaArtists.com. The Association of Municipal Chroniclers of Jalisco awarded Tony its highest honor for research unraveling the history of the Lake Chapala area.

November 16 – How Deep Breathing Exercises Benefit Us All

Presenter: Marcus Dupuis

Learn how focused deep breathing can enhance your life experience! This very interactive presentation will focus on using conscious breathing to improve your health and enhance your Lakeside living experience! Come and learn about the existential elements of improving the essence of life—breathing!

About the Presenter: Marcus is the author of I Breathe Therefore I AM. He is a specialist and has been teaching breathwork of over 30 years. His lectures span personal growth and how to achieve life balance. Marcus has been leading workshops and lecturing full time for the last 20 years in Canada, Spain and Mexico.

November 23 – Including All of Us: Personal and Collective Transformation

Presenter: Eric Ray Kupers

Ever been told you can’t sing, dance or act? Explores the inner workings of “inclusive performance” to provide accessible gateways to creativity for all who have ever been left out, pushed aside, marginalized, discriminated against, ignored, misunderstood, or just wanted something different than mainstream artistic pathways. It returns dance, music, theatre, storytelling, art-making, and creative ritual to all people as a birthright, regardless of life circumstances. You are included in this exploration. Every part of you!

About Presenter: Erik is a professor of dance and inclusive performance at Cal State University East Bay in Hayward, California. He’s taught at CSUEB in the Theatre and Dance Department since 2000. One of his primary callings in life is to empower anyone who has ever been told that they can’t dance, sing, act, or express themselves, to disregard that limitation and go for it!

November 30 – Literature in Translation: The Three Percent Problem

Presenter: Chad W. Post

If you’re an avid reader, don’t miss Chad’s talk about the importance of literature in translated forms, how works of literature make their way (or mostly doesn’t) into English, the complications of literature translation, and how to reach readers in the current era.

About the Presenter: Chad is the founder and publisher of Open Letter Books at the University of Rochester where he also teaches courses on international literature and literary publishing. He has been in publishing for 25 years now, and contributed to a dozen publications, from “Translation: Crafts, Contexts, Consequences” (Cambridge University Press) to Rolling Stone, to “Publishing Perspectives”, to the Los Angeles Times.

Note: Open Circle Ajijic seeks presenters for its year-round program. If interested, visit the Lake Chapala Society website.

Join us for learning, inspiration, and meaningful community—everyone is welcome!