Lake Chapala Society Newsletter – October 2026

October Community Highlights

The Lake Chapala Society (LCS)

Throughout the month, we invite our community to discover the history, traditions, symbolism, and cultural significance behind Día de Muertos—and, most importantly, to experience this beautiful celebration together through a variety of special activities and events.

We will also continue offering our signature classes, programs, and activities.

Introduction to Spanish

Thursday October 1, 8 and 15, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Instructor: Inez Dayer

Members: $553.00 | General: $790.00

This three-session course is designed for people with little or no previous knowledge of Spanish who want to begin communicating with confidence. Your instructor will introduce you to the fundamentals of the language, including correct pronunciation, the Spanish alphabet and sounds, etc.

Mexican Manners

Wednesday October 7th, 10am a 12 pm

Instructor: Victor Camarena

Members: $532.00 | General: $760.00

This one-session class will help you better understand Mexican culture and navigate everyday life with confidence. Learn about cultural differences, social customs, body language, communication styles, and the expectations local people may have of newcomers.

Get your Jalisco Driver’s License without losing your mind

Wednesday October 14 and 21 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Instructor: Victor Camarena

Members: $602.00 | General: $860.00

This two-session course is designed to help you obtain your Jalisco driver’s license. During the first session, you’ll receive step-by-step guidance on the required documents and application procedures. In the second session, you’ll travel with the instructor to the Chapala Driver’s License Office (Módulo de Licencias) to complete the testing process.

The Day of the Dead

Thursday October 22^nd | 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Free Class

by Victor Camarena

This class explores the origins of Día de Muertos, the meaning and symbolism of the traditional altar, and the significance of the different elements that make up an altar. You will also learn how to build a traditional Día de Muertos altar. To register, please send an email to education@lcsac.org

Celebration of Life Service- Candlelight Remembrance

Wednesday October 28^th

6pm to 7:15pm

Free Event

An evening of remembrance, love, music, and reflection. Through inspirational music, meaningful speakers, poetry, and song, we come together to remember, reflect, and celebrate the lives of those who touched our hearts.

Halloween Party for Children

Sunday October 25^th

2pm to 5pm

Free Event

Designed for children ages 0–12, this family-friendly event is a wonderful opportunity for kids to dress up, enjoy festive activities, and celebrate Halloween. It is a free event, but tickets are required.

Meditation & Everyday Mindfulness

*All activities are free for members only.

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

Needle Pushers
Every Tuesday 10:00am-11:45am, in the South Patio

Intermediate Hatha Yoga with Meditation
Every Tuesday, 2:00 – 3:30 pm, in the Gazebo.

Raise Your Spiritual IQ – Spiritual discussion series
Free every Tuesday, 2:00 – 3:15 pm.

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.

For more information about classes and activities please email education@lcsac.org or visit the Education and Culture Department at LCS main campus.

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Sundays, 10:15–11:30 a.m. Lake Chapala Society Campus, Ajijic The schedule is subject to change. All are welcome. There is no cost to attend but donations are appreciated.

Sunday October 4

Dr. Alejandra Guadalupe Lizardi Gomez

Family Dynamics, Caregiving and Support in Dementia Care

Caring for people with dementia is often seen through the lens of women who typically shoulder most of the responsibility. But this excludes husbands, sons, brothers, and younger family members. This talk explores shared experiences around family dynamics, caregiving, and role assignment, and can help attendees plan care and build support teams among family or friends.

Alejandra Lizardi is a mother, sister, and daughter of a beloved woman who lived 18 years with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. She is also a registered nurse, a social science researcher, and a lecturer in the Department of History and Anthropology at the University of Guadalajara.

Sunday, October 11

Cesar Hesiquio

Mezcala and It’s Unique Cultural Heritage

This talk explores the identity and resilience of Mezcala de la Asunción, a town with Coca indigenous roots, and how its inhabitants have preserved their culture and autonomy over the years. Attendees will hear stories full of tradition, challenges, and community pride, gaining insight into this town and its island in Lake Chapala. The talk immerses the audience in daily life and celebrations that make this community so special.

Originally from Mezcala. Cesar is passionate about the history of Mezcala, is certified by the Colegio de Jalisco as a state historical guide. He cares about sustainable tourism development, participating in discussions at the University of Guadalajara. He has 15 years of experience as a historical-tourism guide and promoter.

Sunday, October 18

“Preparing for UFO disclosure & becoming a Peace Ambassador”

Raziel (Adam Banning) and Elena Ross

Speaker Raziel offers a personal reflection on communication with non-human intelligence, drawn from a lifetime of exploring these questions. Attendees will be invited to consider what it might mean to approach the unknown and each other as a PEACE AMBASSADOR, with openness rather than fear. All are welcome, regardless of prior belief or experience with the topic.

On February 22, 1967, Raziel was visited by extraterrestrials. At the age of 7 he began performing acts of insight, wisdom and healing. Since moving to Ajijic, he’s begun sharing these experiences providing valuable insights related to the upcoming disclosure and how to effectively interact with these other worldly species in our “New Humanity.”

Sunday, October 25, 2026

“Finding Meaning in Mourning”

Loretta Downs

In this Open Circle, Loretta Downs explores our deep human need for autonomy and independence alongside our equally powerful need for connection, belonging, and community.

Loretta creates a unique presentation for every LCS Open Circle. She brings 40 years of experience in service to the dying and has been a passionate advocate for improving the end-of-life experience through education, planning, and honest conversations about dying and death. She teaches an Advance Care Planning class at LCS.