Lake Chapala Society Newsletter – September 2026

LCS EDUCATION & CULTURE, SEPTEMBER COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Mexican Manners

Wednesday September 2 | 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.

Introduction to Spanish

Thursday September 3, 10 and 17 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Instructor: Inez Dayer
Members: $553.00 | General: $790.00
This 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, essential vocabulary, greetings and introductions, numbers, days of the week, common expressions, and simple questions and answers used in everyday situations.

Mexican Fiesta

Friday September 4 | 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
General Fee: $500.00
Join us for a festive fundraising event benefitting the Mexican Independence Day celebrations in Ajijic. Enjoy an afternoon filled with live Mexican music, traditional folkloric dances, delicious authentic Mexican food, cultural entertainment, and many more surprises. Your participation makes a difference!

Get your Jalisco Driver’s License without losing your mind

Wednesday September 9 and 23 | 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 with confidence and minimize the stress of the application process. 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. Please note: You must bring a vehicle for the practical driving test.

TRIP TO TLAQUEPAQUE

Tuesday September 22 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Members: $700.00 | General: $1000.00
Join us for a vibrant day trip to Tlaquepaque, one of Mexico’s most charming Pueblos Mágicos, where art, culture, and tradition come to life. Enjoy a guided walking tour through its colorful streets as you discover its rich history, beautiful colonial architecture, renowned art galleries, artisan shops, and the lively sounds of mariachi music. Please note: Food and beverages are not included in the tour price

Unfinished Business

Five Thursdays, September 10, 17, 24 & October 1,8 | 1:30 p.m.– 4:00 p.m. (ish)
Instructor: Tzivia Stein-Barrett
Members: $700.00 | General: $1000.00
This five-session class is a gentle invitation to review the “shoulda / woulda / coulda,” events in life. If you’re ready to lighten the load of old choices, missed chances, or lingering regrets, the Unfinished Business Series offers a creative and playful way forward. Experiential play with Tarot, Journal, Movement and Psychodrama.

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.
Intermediate Hatha Yoga with Meditation
Every Tuesday, 2:00 – 3:30 pm, in the Gazebo.
Needle Pushers
Every Tuesday 10am – 11:45am
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
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 the LCS main campus.

---

OPEN CIRCLE: SEPTEMBER 2026

Sundays, 10:15–11:30 a.m. Lake Chapala Society Campus, Ajijic

Schedule subject to change. All are welcome; no cost to attend (donations welcome).

Sunday, September 6

Beyond the Body: The Missing Piece in Longevity

Presenter: Leanne Babcock

There is an often-overlooked dimension that may transform how we think about health, aging, and life itself. Join Leanne Babcock for a thought-provoking exploration and guided experiential journey into the missing piece in longevity—the piece that may also bring peace

Leanne Babcock, Canadian-Kiwi, is a spiritual adventurer exploring the realms of consciousness and challenging the believed limits of reality. A best-selling author, speaker and shamanic coach, she is also an NLP Master Practitioner trained in hypnotherapy, a Master Coach in Multiple Brain Integration & a breathwork facilitator

Sunday, September 13

The Birth of a Nation: Understanding Mexico’s War of Independence

Presenter: Clauda Miramontes

This presentation explores the people, events, and powerful symbols that shaped the independence movement. Through historical context, visual materials, and storytelling, discover how this defining chapter gave birth to a nation and how its legacy continues to influence Mexican identity, traditions, and everyday life.

Claudia Miramontes is an educator, cultural promoter, and Director of the Ajijic Cultural Center. She holds a degree in Education (Pedagogy) and specializes in making Mexican history engaging and accessible for English-speaking audiences. Her presentations combine historical research with storytelling.

Sunday, September 20

Reality is Not What You Think: UAPs, Perception and Consciousness

Presenter Larry DeRusha

This presentation explores the intersection of UAP phenomena, neuroscience, consciousness research, and spiritual experience. Discover how the brain actively constructs the world we perceive and what that might mean for interpreting UAP encounters, near-death experiences, mystical states, and other extraordinary phenomena.

Larry DeRusha is a Scientist, author, and host of the Higher Reality podcast, where he and co-hosts explore the intersection of UAPs, consciousness, spirituality, and science with guests like Bruce Lipton and Gregg Braden.

Sunday, September 27

Son de México: Keeping Mexican Traditions Alive

Presenter: Ballet Folclórico Infantil Son de México de San Juan Cosalá

Experience the color, rhythm, and energy of Mexico as the young dancers of Son de México bring regional traditions to life. Based in San Juan Cosalá, this local dance organization is helping a new generation discover pride in its cultural roots through music and movement. The presentation will feature dances from different states of Mexico, showcasing distinctive costumes, music, and zapateado footwork while sharing the traditions behind them.

Luis Guzman, director of Ballet Folclórico Infantil Son de México de San Juan Cosalá, was a former dancer of the dance company Ballet Folclórico of the University of Guadalajara. He has been teaching and training dancers for over twenty years.

Interested in Presenting?

Open Circle Ajijic welcomes new presenters year-round. To learn more or apply, visit the Lake Chapala Society website: www.lakechapalasociety.com.