Lake Chapala Society Newsletter – April 2026

LCS Education & Culture – April Community Highlights

The Education and Culture Department of The Lake Chapala Society continues to expand its dynamic monthly offerings for the Lakeside community.

In addition to our popular signature classes—Mexican Manners, Introduction to Spanish, and How to Get Your Driver’s License—LCS is pleased to present new learning opportunities that help residents deepen their understanding of Mexican culture and everyday life in the region.

These classes are essential to the expat community because they help newcomers and long-term residents build practical skills, adapt more easily to life in Mexico, and stay socially and intellectually engaged.  For more information about upcoming classes or to propose a course, please contact education@lcsac.org or visit our Service Office at LCS main campus, 16 de Septiembre 16A, Ajijic, Monday to Saturday 10am to 2pm.

New and returning classes by popular demand

Music Titans – 250 Greatest Recording Artists of the Past 100 Years

Thursday April 9th, 16, 23 and 30, 10am – 12 pm

Members: $553.00 | General: $790.00

An interactive class that explores the most impactful music of the past 100 years in the English-speaking world. All major genres will be included with special emphasis on many of the key artists from such genres as jazz, pop, rock & roll, R&B, rap, classical, folk, and country. There will be lively discussion, and lots of music to listen to.  A few of the artists whose lives and music will be explored include— Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Elvis Presley, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, etc.

Artificial Intelligence – Chat GPT as your Smart Assistant

Monday, April 20^th | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Instructor: Peter Jeschofnig

Members: $336.00 | General: $480.00

Artificial Intelligence is no longer science fiction. It is here and it is easy to use. In this course you will learn how to use AI in your daily life. You will learn how to use ChatGPT to write emails, improve your writing, translate languages, plan trips, organize ideas and even spark creativity. This class is designed for everyday people not tech experts and will include plenty of live demonstrations and hands-on practice. You will learn what AI can (and cannot) do. Bring a laptop, a tablet or a smart phone to the class!

Introduction to Lakeside

Friday April 17th | 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Instructor: Reba Mayo

Members: $455.00 | General: $650.00

This welcoming and practical session is designed for newcomers and long-time residents who want to better understand life around Lakeside. It covers essential local information, community resources, and cultural tips to help you feel confident, connected, and at home in the lakeside community.

Financial Planning

Friday April 24 | 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Instructor: Reba Mayo

Members: $455.00 | General: $650.00

Whether you are new to the area or simply want to feel more secure about your financial future, this session will give you clear tools and expert insights to make informed decisions. Gain practical, easy-to-understand guidance to help you manage your finances with confidence while living in Mexico. Designed especially for the expat community, this class covers key topics such as budgeting, income and expenses abroad, long-term planning, and common financial considerations.

LCS invites the community to continue learning, connecting, and celebrating Mexican culture through these enriching programs offered by the Education and Culture Department.

Meditation & Everyday Mindfulness

Take a moment to slow down and reconnect. Through simple meditation and mindfulness practices, participants are invited to cultivate calm, clarity, and presence in everyday life. This welcoming space encourages reflection, gentle awareness, and practical tools for bringing more balance and intention into daily routines

• Everyday Mindfulness

Every Monday, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, in the Ken Gosh Pavilion.

• Intermediate Hatha Yoga with Meditation

Every Tuesday, 2:00 – 3:30 pm, in the Gazebo.

• Raise Your Spiritual IQ

Every Tuesday, 2:00 – 3:15 pm, in the Blue Umbrella Patio.

• Gentle Yoga & Body Awareness

Every Wednesday, 10:00 – 11:00 am, in the Blue Umbrella Patio.

• “NIA” Fitness / Joy of Movement

Every Friday, 10:00 – 11:00 am, in the Gazebo.

• Iyengar Yoga

Every Friday, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, in the Gazebo.

---

Open Circle Ajijic – April 2026 Schedule

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

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

Sunday, April 5 — Sacred Medicine and Spiritual Psychology: A Healing and Awakening Alchemy

Presenter: Dayna Dunbar

This alchemical pairing has been proven in legal clinical trials to have profound outcomes for people stuck in patterns of trauma, PTSD, addiction, depression, and fear of dying. It also supports overcoming plateaus on the spiritual path. Dayna will present some of the science, psychology and spirituality of this profound work as well as share case studies of clients who have gone through this process.

With a master’s degree in spiritual psychology, Dayna is a spiritual and therapeutic counselor and retreat facilitator. She supports the shift in identity from a “separate self” structure to the knowing of our true nature and our oneness in Spirit.

Sunday, April 12 — Frenemies: General Howard and Chief Joseph

Presenter: David Ellison

For years, these figures were dear friends, often exchanging gifts for their wives. But when the decision was made to take the Nez Perce’s land and to force them into a reservation, it fell to Howard to carry out the terrible order – leading to, perhaps, the greatest pursuit in US history.

David Ellison MA taught US history in California public schools for 36 years. He creates interactive, cooperative content and his talk will expose his talents in teaching middle school students and adults

.

Sunday, April 19 — Lago Alianza and Lakeside Charities: Giving that Counts

Presenter: Joan Machlis-Crasemann

Many of us care deeply about our community. We give money. We give time. Yet philanthropy can feel fragmented or quietly frustrating—for donors and nonprofits alike. This talk may be of interest to anyone who has ever donated to a cause, served on a board, volunteered, or wondered whether their efforts truly make a difference. Joan shares the evolving story of Lago Alianza and poses a simple but ambitious question: What would it look like if we treated nonprofits and philanthropy not as isolated acts, but as a shared ecosystem?

Drawing on real experiences at Lakeside, Joan explores the pressures nonprofits face, and the questions donors quietly carry. This conversation invites reflection, practical insight, and a more connected way of strengthening the community we already care about.

Sunday, April 26 — Reimagining Dementia Neighborhoods in the Lake Chapala Community

Presenter: Ann Godshall

Learn about Lakeside Memory Neighborhoods, a proposed nonprofit, Montessori-based dementia care initiative in the Lake Chapala area. The talk explores why compassionate, culturally-responsive dementia care is urgently needed for both expats and local families. You will learn about the Montessori approach to dementia care, the concept of memory “neighborhoods,” and how communities can come together to support dignity, engagement, and quality of life for people living with dementia and those who love them.

Ann is a registered nurse with a master’s degree in health services administration. She has worked of several not-for-profit hospitals in the United States as a hospital administrator.

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