Lakeside Living – January 2024

Don Beaudreau

Email: wbeaudreau@aol.com

From the Lakeside Living Editor: Please note that deadline for submission of notices about a local cultural, civic, or charitable event is the first day of the month, an entire month BEFORE the article can appear in El Ojo Del Lago. Appropriate notices should include the name of the event, its location, date(s), time, and cost (if applicable). Please include a high-resolution photo if possible. But no lengthy articles, please! Send such information to me directly at wbeaudreau@aol.com  Thank you. Don Beaudreau

The Lake Chapala Society hosts Open Circle every Sunday at 10:30 am. This community gathering in Ajijic presents a wide range of topics. Entrance is by the side gate on Ramón Corona, opening at 9:30 am. If you missed a past presentation, you can catch it online at: https://opencircleajijic.org/

January 7

GET OUT THE VOTE!

Larry Pihl

Larry has championed Get Out The Vote efforts with Vote From Abroad (VFA) on a México-wide level since 2011.  Larry works to ensure compliance with Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). This is the crucial act that allows all United States citizens living abroad to vote from outside the U.S. and requires that all states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and U.S. territories allow U.S. citizens living or working abroad to vote by absentee ballot in elections. 

Larry will discuss how voting saves and strengthens our democracy, the surprising history of expat voting, how UOCAVA and VFA work together to get your vote counted, what an FPCA is and how it will help you beat the rush before an election, how VFA makes it easy to vote with a simple tool on your computer, why personal assistance is always available and why to register by the 15th of January, International Voter Registration Day

For more information send questions to VoteFromAbroad.org or VoteLakeChapala@gmail.com

January 14

DECIDING FOR YOURSELF WHAT TO BELIEVE

David Ellison

Dave grew up a devout Catholic, attending a Catholic grade school, high school and college; and then he taught in Catholic schools for five years, smug in the knowledge that his was the one and only true faith. Meanwhile, he was a devout “American” as well, believing that the United States of America was God’s bastion of goodness and democracy on Earth; that everyone admired and envied the country . . . and him.

But then (thank goodness!), he traveled abroad, immersing himself in a foreign culture and language; and he studied, finally questioning with an open/critical mind. The dogmas came tumbling down, leaving him bereft, disillusioned, bewildered, and lost. He had no choice but to finally decide for himself what he would believe; who he would become. Dave will share his heartfelt philosophical and personal journey; which, in the end, is (or, at least, ought to be) everyone’s.

January 21

BENEFITS OF MOVEMENT AGAINST PAIN FOR OLDER ADULTS

Eric Gonzalez

Eric is a local Kinesiologist, specialized in treating older adults. Clinical pain and common barriers to specific movements limiting functions in the human body are the main reasons patients seek his help.

Eric will share how Kinesiology can benefit our bodies through the use of simple and useful strategies such as therapeutic exercise, muscle stretching, muscle activation and more.

As our bodies mature, stretching can have a big impact on our lives!

January 28

BEN FRANKLIN RETURNS TO OPEN CIRCLE: THE FINAL EPISODE

Steven Nousen

Dr. Franklin (Steven Nousen) has just marked the 84th anniversary of his birth and knows he does not have long to live. He has been quite ill but insists upon gathering his closest friends into his Philadelphia home to reflect on his extraordinary life. He will also share some thoughts about recent events such as his role in drafting the Constitution of the United States and his views on the afterlife.

In his previous appearances at Open Circle, Dr. Franklin has recounted his early years as a printer, his role as a diplomat to both the English and French governments, his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, and his family relationships. Videos are available on the Open Circle website.  

As a member of the audience, you will be playing the role of citizens of Philadelphia on January 28, 1790.

Steven has been performing as Ben Franklin for most of the 21st century in multiple venues including the Library of Congress and the National Geographic Society.  There will be time allotted for questions addressed to “Dr. Franklin” and Steven.

NOTE: BARE STAGE IS MOVING ITS LOCATION IN JANUARY AND THEREFORE WILL NOT HAVE A JANUARY PRESENTATION. THE NEXT SHOW WILL BE IN FEBRUARY.

The new location will be at the St. Andrews Anglican Church building in Riberas, a block from the Catholic Church. Further information will be coming your way.

LIVE BEATLES MUSIC BENEFIT for Niños Incapacitados Charity

El Bar Co. Restaurant, on the rooftop deck

Featuring the “Rooftop Romeos” with Cavern Club and Abbey Road T-shirt prizes

Monday, Jan. 29, 3:00 pm, (doors open at 2:00 pm); 350 pesos per person

If demand for the El Bar Co. concert is high, the Romeos could offer Beatles music Tuesday, Jan. 30, and Friday, Jan. 31. Tickets must be purchased in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door. Seating is limited. Tickets can be reserved between now and Jan. 12 by emailing Bill Dingwall at Bdingwall@rogers.com or telephoning Bill at +1 (376) 766-5829. Tickets can be bought and should be picked up at El Bar Co. on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

Each ticket includes one complimentary wine, beer or margarita. Food and other drinks can be purchased at the event. El Bar Co. in Ajijic is located on the mountain side of the carretera, just west of the Pemex station.

Since 1974, Niños is a nonprofit, volunteer group that helps qualified Mexican families pay ongoing and one-time major medical expenses for children with serious disabilities or life-threatening illnesses. It serves families throughout Lakeside, from Chapala to Jocotepec. For more event information, contact Bill Dingwall at the number above. For more about Niños Incapacitados, go to www.programaninos.com.

Art in the Garden Show at the Lake Chapala Society, Saturday, January 13, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Lake Chapala Society is located at16 de Septiembre #16A in Ajijic. The admission is free, with parking on the lakefront. Profits from the artist participation fees will benefit the LCS community outreach programs. The show will cover the entire LCS grounds front and back.

Since 2017, LCS has hosted art shows during the high season in its famous gardens. Given that LCS has a commitment to local community support, these shows highlight artists from the Chapala and Ajijic area only. They are not restricted to members of art groups, but exhibit art from all artists, thereby providing a needed location for local Mexican artisans and artists who do not typically have opportunities to sell their art.

In addition, the LCS Children’s Art Program will be selling original art, including art cards featuring the kids’ work (with their acclaimed Christmas cards!). This provides important income for these young artists and their families and gives them a lesson about the “business of art.”

There will be more than 60 craftspeople exhibiting a variety of fine art and handicrafts. There’s something for every taste and budget! You can refresh yourself in our café for a snack, a cold drink, or lunch.

For more information, please contact Danielle Pagé by Whatsapp at 333-808-0324.


Discover the best businesses and services in Lake Chapala area with our comprehensive directory > El Ojo del Lago – Directory


For more information about Lake Chapala visit: chapala.com


Don Beaudreau
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