PAST EVENTS:

Congratulations to all of the winners at the August CASA meeting. The presentation categories were Category A: Moroccan/Middle East Main Dish, and Category B: 3 Ingredient Dessert Challenge (with fruit, nuts and a liqueur). The decisions were difficult as there were so many fantastic entrees! Winners in Judges Category A: 1^st Place was Susan Reynolds for her B’stilla-Chicken Pie. Winners in Judges Category B: 1^st Place was new member and first time presenter Joan Lowy for her Amaretto Bread Pudding and Ginger Perkins for her Berry, Kiwi Tart with Almond Crust. Ginger received the prestigious Bing Award for her third first place award this year!          

In the People’s Choice Awards for both category A and B, two new members and first time presenters also won in the Judges Categories: Kim Cavelli and Joan Lowy. At the September 19 monthly CASA meeting, the Categories are Mexican Main Dish and Mexican Dessert. 

Interested in joining CASA ? Contact Mary Ann Waite, 2011 CASA President at 766-1436 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Visit the CASA website at www.ajijiccasa.org for a list of second and third place winners and for more information about CASA.

Amigos del Lago made it possible for the fisherman’s wives in Mismaloya to present their embroidered clothes at a fashion show for marketing students at the prestigious Universidad del Valle De Atemajac (UNIVA) in Guadalajara on July 22, 2011. This community, as well as others, is having difficult times because of the depletion of charales (small fish) that the fishermen catch and low wages for the women who make fish fillets. As the women are skilled embroiderers, Amigos del Lago worked with UNIVA to make their participation possible. Approximately 200 marketing students watched 20 students model the embroidered blouses and shirts as well as manta top designs for men and women. It was a grand success with UNIVA deciding to sell the designs at the monthly students’ monthly Tianguis. Amigos del Lago needs donations of interlock and serger sewing machines for the fishermen’s wives. If you have one you are willing to donate, please contact Azu Bateman at 376 766-1654. 

Azu Bateman, Amigos del Lago; Rosana (UNIVA), Mila (Mismaloya), Maria Rosario Mendoza, Takasami, Olga (Mismaloya), Fashion Model (UNIVA), Alicia Cordova, Amigos del Lagos, Lydia Cortez, Amigos Del Lago.

On July 22, 23 and 24, The Naked Stage presented 3 plays “The Whole Shebang” was directed by Collette Clavadetscher; and Diana Rowland directed “I’m Herbert” and “The Footsteps of Doves.” All three plays were hilarious comedies! If you haven’t attended one of the Naked Stage performances, you are missing an opportunity to see some of Lakeside’s very talented thespians.

Diana Rowland and Collette Clavadetscher

The organic market is flourishing at the new Laguna Mall (across from WalMart). Open Tuesdays, from 10 am to 12:30, thirty-five vendors have an amazing assortment of organic food and related products.

On just one table (pictured), the following products were for sale: squash, cabbage, lettuce, cilantro, carrots, turnips, parsnips, avocados, squash flowers, sweet chard greens, beets, eggs, cilantro peso, limes, and pots of cilantro, parsley and cactus as well as earthworm casings. Other vendors had marvelous assortments of artisan cheeses, breads and soaps; home grown tomatoes of all different colors and shapes; and even food to go such as vegetarian lasagna and spinach quiches. If you are not a frequent customer, bring a shopping bag and be prepared to be impressed. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, contact Rebecca Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Enaj at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Louraisha at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Javier Hernandez Jimenez, Ana Luz Zepeda Martinez, Rodrigo Maza Zepeda

What are all these people looking at?

The Lakeside Presbyterian Church held a two day class on how to build Globos (hot air balloons) on August 16 and 17, taught by Ricardo Gonzales (who was a great instructor!) Fun was had by all as students cut tissue paper and glued globos together. The students in the picture, with Ricardo to the left, are watching their first globo successfully soar into the sky. The rest of the student globos will be launched at the Globos Festival in Ajijic on Saturday, Sep 10, 2011 at the soccer field across the street from Salvador’s restaurant.

Globos Class at Lakeside Presbyterian Church

Class Globos in flight

The Golden Strings of Lake Chapala provides free music lessons for indigent children, and supports those who cannot afford it with preparatoria scholarships if they can maintain the proper grade. They have provided scholarships for the past 13 years and all their income has been through volunteer donations. Now their coffers are nearly empty and they need assistance with 20 of the 50 students that they are currently supporting. Any amount would be helpful. (Ajijic Rotary Club supports 11.) For more information, contact Marvin Harthcock  376 763- 5093.

FUTURE EVENTS

The Ajijic Auditorium is for everyone at Lakeside. Now, this culturally important facility needs everyone’s help. The goal of Pro Auditorio, a nonprofit created for these facility improvements, is to raise 1 million pesos by the end of November, with a balance of 1.5 million pesos to be raised in 2012 and 2013. The state and federal government are contributing 1 million pesos each. The effort to make the improvements a reality includes many volunteers with John Keeling in a lead role.

Purchase tickets to the following fundraising events at the Auditorio, LCS (10 to 12 noon), Diane Pearl Colecciones, Charter Club Tours and at the Organic Market.

Chuni Medeles and John Keeling

September 9 & 10 at 6 pm, and Sept 11 at 3 pm, the “Big Lip Sync Show” at the Club Exotica behind the El Jardin Plaza Restaurant on the Ajijic plaza. Tickets are 150 pesos for general seating and 250 pesos for VIP balcony seating. The show features dozens of local actors in 24 impersonations from Lady Gaga to Ed Sullivan.

Lip Sync

September 24 at 5pm: Noche Mexicana at the patio beside the Auditorium. Entertainment includes a ballet folklorico group, mariachi, and performances by local artists and starts at 5 pm, with dinner at 6 pm. Tickets are 250 pesos and include a delicious Mexican dinner and a complimentary margarita. 

November 6 at 3 pm: Piano and Harpsichord Concert by the highly talented Michael Tsalka, followed by a Gala Reception with champagne in a private home. Tickets are 300 pesos for the concert, or 500 pesos including the Champagne Reception. 

November 16 at 4 pm and Nov 17 & 18 at 7.30 pm: Comedy Capers – Music Makers, a variety show featuring local talent in a series of short comedy skits, song and dance routines, directed by Pattye Simpson and David McIntosh.

September 10, the Regata de Globos at the soccer field on Revolución Street, adjacent to Plaza Bugambilias, starts at 3pm. The hot air balloons (globos) are launched throughout the afternoon. Some soar up in the sky; some do not make it that far. This fun day is a day in the sun; perhaps bring an umbrella or hat; and bring a chair or a blanket for seating. Food and drink is available. A note to nearby residents: if you have solar panels on your roof, best to protect them from a wandering globo.

2010 Regatta

September 11, San Luis Soyatlan’s first art show at the Posada Restaurant in the Hotel Los Crotos with the works of an exciting number of artists to include Cornelio Garcia, Isidro Xilonzochitl, Kathy Seaboyer, Antonio Lopez Vega, C. DePaul Durham, Jesus Lopez Vega, and Pat Apt. The Posada Restaurante Los Crotos is located at R. Corona #3 (carretera Guad to Morelia). A reception with cocktails is scheduled for 3 pm. Call for reservations: 387 764-0067.

September 14, Wednesday, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #7 presents its 7th Annual “Fiesta de Mexico.”  The Menu includes salsa and chips, chicken and beef enchiladas, guacamole, refried beans and dessert. There will be raffles, dancing and lots of fun and crowd pleasing entertainment by “Los Pios.” Tickets are $150 pesos. Cocktails begin at 5 and dinner is at 6:00 p.m. Contact Barbara Prince 765-3418 for more information. Tickets and further information are available at the Legion. For information about more upcoming American Legion Events, visit their website: www.americanlegionchapalapost7.org.

September 15th, Cruz Roja holds their annual fund-raising bar-b-que at the Chapala Country Club. Doors open at 3:00 and serving starts at 3:30. The menu includes: chicken, ribs, tenderloin and chorizo along with Mexican and NOB sides. Door prizes and Mexican entertainment start the Independence Day weekend. Tickets are 250 pesos and are on sale at LCS Red Cross table, as well as from Red Cross volunteers in front of Super Lake and Lloyds. For tickets and information please call: Don Marie Fraser 376 766-4990 or Charlie Klestadt at 376 766-3671.

September 16 from 2pm until 6pm, celebrate Mexico’s independence from Spain at Lake Chapala Society. Catered by the owners of Manix Restaurant, a very special and delicious traditional meal will be served: pozole, tamales, tacos al vapor, tacos and sopes for $150 pesos and a cash bar will be open. Children under 10 are admitted without charge and served free hot dogs. Children’s games with prizes will be in the LCS gardens. Entertainment is provided by La Voz Jimela with Mexican music, Rafael and his international keyboard, and Chuy Jimenez and his 10-piece Mariachi band.

Don’t miss the Parade of the Old Women with Rebozos and the Waiter’s Race from the Ajijic Plaza to the LCS gazebo. 

Independence Day at LCS is truly a Mexican family fiesta that Mexicanos and Norteños will celebrate together at LCS. For more information, contact Walt Bowker 766-5710 waltajijic@netzero.net Tickets are on sale at the Red Cross table at LCS and Diane Pearl Boutique.

Mexican Flag

September 23, 24 and 25, The Naked Stage Readers’ Theatre presents “Betrayal”, a play by Harold Pinter known as one of the most exciting writers of our time. The Naked Stage is located at Plaza de la Ribera (formerly Sol y Luna), Ajijic and presents minimalistic theatre readings (no props, costumes or scenery) for an adults only audience. The bar opens at 3 p.m., box office at 3:15 pm and the show starts at 4 pm. The theatre is small so reservations are a must and may be requested by calling Ann Pinkerton at 766-5986 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Donations are 80 pesos per person. Parking is plentiful.

The Music Appreciation Society 2011 and 2011 schedule starts with a kickoff party on October 28, at Nueva Posada. The following concerts are held at the Auditorio de La Ribera de La Floresta:

November 15                 “Blas Galindo” Orchestra featuring the Concertoz Andaluz

December 8                   The Children’s Choir of Morelia

January 19                     Orquesta Filarmonica de San Luis Potosi

February 14                    “Classical FX” Quartet of Kennedy Center Opera Company,

                                          Washington, DC

March 13                         Compania de Danza Clasica y Neoclasica de Jalisco

Season tickets are available at LCS from 10 a.m. to noon September 19 – 30. For further information, contact Kathleen Phelps at 766-0010 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Viva Fall Concerts – There is an exciting and varied line-up of concerts for this fall:.

Local Concerts

Concerts start at 7:30. Ticket prices are 250 pesos for members, 300 pesos non-members. Series tickets are available

September 29                                “Vocal Contrapunto” Choir, in St. Andrews Anglican Church

October 27                      Piano “Four Hands”, Guillermo Salvador and Rosalinda

                                          Preciado in the Auditorium

December 1                   Dolores Moreno, soprano with the Chris Wilshere chamber

                                          orchestra in the Auditorium

Live from the Met Opera Bus Trips

Viva plans to take a bus to all six operas offered this fall! Ticket prices $320 members, $400 non-members. Series of 6 operas for members $1,800.

October 15      Anna Bolena, Donizetti

October 29      Don Giovanni, Mozart

November 5   Siegfried, Wagner 

November 19 Satyagraha, Glass   

December 3   Rodelina, Handel    

December 10 Faust, Gounod  

Calling all Vendors to Participate in the Lake Chapala Society Healthcare Fair, October 2011. The Lake Chapala Society is hosting the semi-annual Healthcare Fair, October 11 and 12 from 10am to 1pm. Lakeside medical service providers are invited to promote their businesses, services and products at this prestigious event. For additional information, please contact Lorena Rule at 376-765-7777.

The Texas Club meets the Last Friday of the Month at La Tasca Restaurant on Donata Guerro at 5 pm. This month, 2 for 1 drinks of house brands with a limit of 2 (4 drinks total).

The Rotary Club of Ajijic, luncheon meetings are now at Hacienda Ajijic Steakhouse 766-4906. Rotarians meet weekly for fellowship at 12:30 p.m., and meetings are called to order at 1:00 p.m. For more information about Rotary Club of Ajijic, visit their website: www.rotaryajijic.org. 

The Lake Chapala Society Blood Pressure Group is looking for volunteers with medical nursing training and experience in taking Blood Pressure. Contact: Mary Anne Molinari – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.