Lake Chapala Society Newsletter – January 2026

Start the New Year with Learning, Wellness, and Connection

This January, The Lake Chapala Society (LCS) welcomes you into a new year filled with discovery, well-being, culture, and community connection. Whether you’re ready to learn Spanish, explore local traditions, improve your health, or simply enjoy something fresh and fun, LCS offers classes that help you start 2026 energized and engaged.

Signature Classes You Won’t Want to Miss

Mexican Manners

Feel confident and more at home in Mexican culture with tips that matter in everyday life.

When: January 7 – 10:00 am–12:00 pm

Fee: Members $595 MXN | General $850 MXN

Introduction to Spanish

A friendly, foundation-building workshop for brand-new learners.

When: January 8, 15 & 22 – 10:00 am–12:00 pm

Fee: Members $609 MXN | General $870 MXN

How to Get Your Mexican License Without Losing Your Mind

Save time, stress, and confusion with a practical guide that works.

When: January 14 – 10:00 am–12:00 pm

Fee: Members $602 MXN | General $860 MXN

Spanish in Action (10-Week Course)

A lively, interactive program to strengthen real-world communication — from Basic to Advance.

Starts: January 12

Fee: Members $602 MXN | General $860 MXN

Advance Care Planning – Living Well and Dying Well in Lakeside 2026

Plan ahead with dignity, clarity, and peace of mind — for yourself and the people you love.

When: January 21 & 28 – 10:00 am–12:00 pm

Fee: Members $546 MXN | General $788 MXN

Practical Artificial Intelligence (AI): Using ChatGPT as Your Smart Assistant

Discover everyday ways AI can simplify tasks and improve your life.

When: January 23 – 1:00 pm–3:00 pm

Fee: Members $334 MXN | General $488 MXN

Tai Chi Cycle (Four-Week Course)

Build balance, mindfulness, and gentle strength through this powerful ancient practice.

When: Saturdays — January 17, 24, 31 & Feb 7 – 10:00 am–11:00 am

Fee: Members $1050 MXN | General $1500 MXN

New Workshops

Natural Anti-Aging: A Science-Based Approach to a More Youthful You

Learn the research-supported practices that promote longevity and vitality.

When: January 22 – 2:00 pm–4:00 pm

Fee: Members $580 MXN | General $800 MXN

Basic West Coast Swing – Four-Week Course

An upbeat, social dance that’s fun to learn and even more fun once you’ve got the rhythm!

When: Saturdays — January 17, 24, 31 & Feb 7 – 12:00 pm–1:00 pm

Fee: Members $1500 MXN | General $1050 MXN

Ready to Register?

Visit: lakechapalasociety.com

In Person: LCS Service Office

Email: education@lcsac.org

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Every Sunday, 10:15–11:30 am, at the Lake Chapala Society Campus in Ajijic.

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

January 4 – Vote! Vote! Vote!

Presenters: Dan Clark and Larry Pihl

This talk, moderated by LCS president Hunter Johnson, will present laws that give U.S. citizens living and working abroad the right to participate in the electoral process.  

Many believe voting from abroad for U.S. citizens is under threat due to legislative efforts and administrative obstacles. One bill being considered (The PROVE Act) would require overseas voters to prove a current U.S. residential address or that of an immediate family member to receive a ballot, which deviates from the long-standing protections. Presenters will explain your voting rights as a US citizen living abroad.

Dan Clark is an attorney, licensed in TX for 49 years doing both civil and criminal trials.  He worked as an assistant district attorney and an FBI agent.  Larry Pihl was educated in engineering and business management. He has assisting voters in Mexico for 15 years. 

January 11– LIVE PRESENTATION: Ben Franklin Reflections

Presenter: Steven Nousen

Dr. Benjamin Franklin (Steven Nousen) returns to Open Circle with a special presentation set in the Pennsylvania State House on July 4, 1776.  Aware that he may not live to see another Independence Day, the 83-year-old Franklin will reflect on the extraordinary progress the young nation has made over the past 13 years. Please join Dr. Franklin as the United States starts the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Let the celebration begin at Open Circle!  

Steven Nousen, award-winning teacher and lobbyist, has called Ajijic home for the past seven years.  For most of the 21st century, he has been stepping into the shoes of Benjamin Franklin delighting audiences from age 9 to 90.  From the Library of Congress to the National Geographic Society, Steven has shared Franklin’s wit, wisdom, and larger-than-life personality with audiences across the U.S. and here Lakeside.

January 18 – Ajijic: An Innovation Hub for our Golden Years

Presenter: Morris Schwarzblat

What if the same vibrant energy that brought us all to Ajijic could be channeled into something bigger? What if our community became a global hub for innovation? In this talk, Morris will present the opportunities and challenges of the so-called “Silver Economy”, and why our lakeside setting can play an important role in the development of applications and solutions that will contribute to successful aging.

Morris Schwarzblat holds his Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering. He has been a university professor at several institutions in Mexico and abroad. He served as General Director of the Chapala Technology Institutes, General Director of Innovation, science and technology. He is currently retired.

January 25 – Music Titans: 250 Greatest Recording Artists of the last 100 Years

Presenter: Steve Williams

Drawing on the book of the same name published in 2024, author and Lakeside resident Steve Williams will reveal the three criteria for how the artists were chosen and ranked, then discuss artists representing a wide range of genres (blues, jazz, traditional pop, folk, classical, country, rock & roll, R&B, rock, rap, modern pop). We can expect a lively exchange during the question/answer period.

Steve has been playing guitar and singing since the 1960s, making his living as an award-winning classroom schoolteacher across seven different U.S. states. His book has continued to sell steadily and has received positive notice from several music industry insiders, as well as from readers. He recently completed a second book, Lifelong Companion: My Journey through 100 Dylan Songs, which is a hybrid of memoir, music criticism, and recent American history. He moved to Ajijic in 2025, though he has been coming to Mexico for nearly 50 years.

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

Come for insight, stay for connection — everyone is welcome!