Lakeside Living
By Kay Davis

Phone: (376) 766-4774
or 765-3676 to leave messages
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July 2011

PAST EVENTS:

At the May meeting of the Culinary Arts Society of Ajijic (CASA), the presentation categories were: Brunch Entrée (Category A) and Muffins, Breads and Biscuits (Category B). Congratulations to the winners in Category A: 1st Place – Monica Molloy for her Shrimp, Sausage with Eggs in Birds Nests, 2nd Place – Beth Cathcart for Qualheim Ham Breakfast Cassarole, 3rd Place – Anita Buehrle, a first time presenter, for her Tourte Melanese. The People’s Choice Award came to a tie and the awards went to Anita Buehrle, again for her Tourte Melanese, and to Lee Monaco for her South Indian Patties with Lamb Sausage and Beef.

Winners in Category B: 1st Place – Nancy Baxter for her Swedish Tea Ring, 2nd Place – Mary Ann Waite for her Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Curd, 3rd Place – Ginger Perkins for her Onion Braid and People’s Choice to first-time presenter Annie Green for her Cream Cheese and Lemon Curd Muffins.

This is Monica Molloy’s third 1st place win this year, giving her a BING, with a total of seven BING awards, the most ever won in CASA’s 25 year history.

The speaker was Camille Collins, co-owner of Mom’s Deli, who spoke about baking bread in Mexico and what products she uses.

For anyone interested in joining CASA, please contact Mary Ann Waite, 2011 President, at 766 – 1436 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  and please visit the CASA website at www.ajijiccasa.org.

 


The CASA ladies – all winners

 

In May Janice Kimball of Azteca was invited back to Mezcala by the city fathers on Día de la Cruz (May 3) for a five year reunion celebrating the many times she had documented their Prehistoric festivals.  She was taken on a tour that included a performance by indigenous dancers who performed in front of altars scattered throughout this fishing village. The museum has grown and now occupies a site across from the plaza in the municipal building.

 


Exciquio Santiago Cruz, the Museum Curator, Janice Kimball
and a dancer

 

The photo is of Exciquio Santiago Cruz, the Museum Curator, Janice Kimball and a dancer wearing a handmade copy of an original mask that resides in the museum with a headdress made of tissue paper. The museum is open to the public, so if you arrive there and it is closed, ask whoever is around and they will get someone to open it for you. This museum not only houses local historical items documenting Mezcala’s ties to the Aztec culture but remnants from the dinosaur era when those giants roamed the countryside. A visit to the island and a camera tour of the grounds provides a fascinating history of what happened to make this a tourist location to see. Be aware that there are both real history and some fanciful tales worth listening to. See if you can tell one from the other.

During a brief May 28 ceremony, Rotary Club of Ajijic donated three wheelchairs to DIF. Two will be used in Chapala, one in Ajijic. The wheelchairs were presented by Club President Mike McCarthy to Dora Cervantes, Presidente of DIF Chapala and wife of Mayor Jesús Cabrera Jiminez. Municipal translator Cecilia Pulido Diaz assisted. Pictured below are left to right, standing, Julianna Rose, Donna Mansfield, Chuck Giles, Marvin Harthcock, Dora Cervantes, Mike McCarthy, Cecilia Pulido Diaz and Bob Salvatore. Seated is Helaine Harthcock. For more information about Rotary Club of Ajijic and its projects, visit the club’s website at rotaryajijic.org.

 


Rotary Club donates wheelchairs

 

On June 10 – 12, the Cultural Center in Ajijic featured a mixed media presentation of skills by a group of Mexican artists. Probably most of us are familiar with the light-hearted sculptures of Jonas Gutiérrez because we find them along the malecon (waterside walkway) in Puerta Vallarta and on the main plaza in Guadalajara.

 


The Rock Eater shows a pear-shaped man with a pear-shaped rock

 

On June 17 at Salvador’s Restaurant, Animal Buddies Campaign (ABC) had a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser to aid Dr. Pepe Magaña with low cost Spay/Neuter for local rescuers. There was a great turnout with some really caring people. Dottie Matsumoto wanted to thank those thoughtful people for their participation and for their donations as well as the work done by ABC members. Donations were also received from Yoly’s Salon and New Look studio in San Antonio. Dr. Magaña and his wife Siegrid had a great time and wanted to thank everyone for their continued support for the animals. ABC hopes the next event will be as successful and as much fun as this one. In all seriousness, check out the website PepesPawsandClaws.com for pictures of the event and for the pet beds and birdhouses catalog. It is worth your time to see the website and frankly, I found the changes to Magaña’s office fantastic. He’s our dogs’ vet too.

 


Dr. Pepe Magaña and his wife Siegrid at ABC dinner

June 21 was the opening for the Art House Gallery at #229 Hidalgo, Chapala. The art on display was outstanding and would be difficult to top even in Guadalajara. On display are pieces by Jesús López Vega, born in Ajijic, mostly self-taught, he is best known for murals around Lakeside. Carol Ann Owers from Toronto, Ontario, whose visions are a must. Sergio Drumond is a Brazilian painter. See the works of Jennifer Miller, Charles Rolston from Ontario, or the cubism of Laurencio Hernández. And there is more.

The Art House is a must-do for all art fanciers. For instance, Rob Mohr wrote in his El Ojo del Lago column, “Focus on Art,” about gifted artist Dan Noll whose work includes “his hand-painted copies of great paintings.” The gallery is located in a renovated old family mansion a half-block past The Coffee Tree on the left heading into Chapala from anyplace east, like Ajijic or Riberas del Pilar. The Noll exhibition runs June 21 – July 5. The reproduction shown here is of a highly valued Matisse (1869 – 1954) masterpiece. How did Dan Noll do this with such precision and yet maintain the master’s touch?

 


Dan Noll's Reproduction of Matisse's Woman in a Purple Coat (1937)

 

 

EVENTS TO COME:

The Scotiabank Northern Lights 2012 Schedule has confirmed dates. The concert dates within the two weeks may still change, but at least if we block out those two weeks on the calendar, then everyone knows, and certainly as the time approaches, we will keep you informed of the specifics as they become “fixed.” February 16 is the first day of the festival; March 2nd is the last day. Concert dates are February 16, 18, 20 – 29, March 1 and March 2. At least some of these dates will feature performers we all want to see and hear. Check their website at northernlightsmusicfestival.com.

 

Mulitple Events:

The American Legion post #7 schedule for July:

Sundays......12 – 3 p.m. Legion grill burgers          

Jul   1..........2 p.m. Canada Day celebrations

Jul   4..........time: contact Legion – US Independence Day celebration

Jul   7..........3 p.m. – Maple Leaf Club (bring botanas to share)

Jul   8..........8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Yard Sale

Jul 14..........time: contact Legion – 11th Annual Meatloaf Contest

Jul 28..........3 p.m. – Lone Star Club (Country-Western music)

For information, call 765 – 2259 or www.americanlegionchapalapost7.org

 


US and Canadian flags an important part of national celebrations

Lake Chapala Society offers many activities for a variety of tastes and needs. There are the clearly identified libraries of books and DVDs; there are singles activities; medical tests; documentation for afterlife; special fund raisers, and on and on. Whether you are a member or a visitor, LCS holds an important place in our community.

As a means of assisting both the foreign and Mexican communities, a non-profit registry of local Mexicans who need and are looking for work of all types is maintained. No pre-screening is provided, just a database of willing applicants. You interview and choose to hire or not. Come to the Chapala American Legion on Monday between 9 – 11 a.m. or email Rony at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and look at the website at http://vivachapala.blogspot.com.

The Singles Mix & Match July Activities include a unique opportunity for single Lakesiders to meet and greet other singles. Enjoy beer, wine and soft drinks at the cash bar. They talk about upcoming social events, as well as any ideas you might like to present. Come July 20 to meet in the garden at LCS, 5 – 7 p.m., free to LCS members, $20 pesos for non-members.

After many years of devoted service to the Municipo de Chapala, Tod Jonson has left for the US because our elevation here is hard on his heart. He hopes, and we hope too, that he will be able to spend six months in the US and six months here, but since the future is, at present, uncertain, a special award was presented to him prior to his departure. It simply thanks him for being so generous with his time and talent.

 


Charlie Smith presents award to Tod Jonson (left)

The Naked Stage has a schedule for performances through January 2012. Located at Plaza de la Ribera on Rio Bravo, in Ajijic, the minimalistic theater “reads” well-rehearsed scripts rather than acting the play with settings, costumes, etc. The plays they present are adult-oriented and quite entertaining. The bar opens at 2 p.m., the box office at 2:15 p.m. and the donation is $80 pesos per person. For reservations, please call Ann Pinkerton at 766 – 5986 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In July there are two one-act plays with performances July 22, 23, and 24 at 3 p.m.  I’m Herbert, a comedy written by Robert Anderson, is a sketch about two old people sitting on a porch and talking. Just talking…and of course, they don’t know how funny they are. The reading will be directed by Diana Rowland. Also, Collette Clavadetscher will direct the comedy The Whole Shebang, written by Rich Orloff. It is a charming and whimsical comedy about the creation of the universe. To audition for The Whole Shebang, email Collette at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Yes, your ticket admits you to both one-act performances on the same day – one follows the other.

For August In the Next Room (or the vibrator play) by Sarah Ruhl is scheduled for August 26, 27 and 28 at 3 p.m. The play is a fanciful but compassionate consideration of the treatment and the mistreatment of women in the late 19th century. Jeritza McCarter will direct this comedy.

Save these future dates for up-coming productions:

Sep 23, 24, 25

Oct 21, 22, 23

Nov 18, 19, 20

Dec 16, 17, 18

Jan 27, 28, 29

Now, for more information on The Naked Stage. The theater is much cooler: the skylights have been covered, eliminating direct sunlight; new ceiling fans have been installed – along with the floor fans, the theater is now much more comfortable during warm weather. Also every chair has been provided with cushions, including the actor’s stools. And last but not least, Daniel, manager of the San Pedro Restaurant and Gallery at Plaza de la Ribera, and his wife Cirene invite you to stay for dinner following the readings. On Fridays there will be live music. On Saturdays and Sundays they offer a 10% discount on meals with drinks.

VIVA La Musica:

Jalisco Philharmonic –There is now information on all the JPO concerts II Season 2011. Ticket prices remain the same as last season, $250 pesos for members and $300 pesos for non-members. This is short notice as some concerts have already occurred so if you want to join them, please arrange payment with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. right away.

Concert #4 – Friday, July 1, 8:30 p.m. Bus leaves 4:30 p.m. for the restaurant before the concert. Conductor Leslie Dunner: Strauss – Don Juan; Liszt – Orpheus Symphonic Poems No. 4; Berlioz – Symphonie Fantastique.

Concert #5 – Sunday, July 10, 12:30 p.m. Bus leaves 10:30 a.m. Conductor Vladimir Kiradjiev: Karlowicz – Olas Recurrentes; Dragonetti – Concerto for Double Bass; Dvorak – Symphony No. 8.

Concert #6 – Friday, July 15, 8:30 p.m. Bus leaves 4:30 p.m. for the restaurant before the concert. Conductor Leslie Dunner: Bandoleon – Raul Juarena; Manuel Cerda – Influences; Angel Villoldo – El Choclo; G.M. Rodriquez – La Cumparsita; Astor Piazolla – Adios Nonino; Sergei Prokofiev – Scenes from Romeo and Juliet.

It is a great help to VIVA in organizing trips if responses come in early  so that they can purchase tickets in time for securing good seats. They need to know in advance how many to buy.

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

Sep 29             Vocal Contrapunto Choir

Oct 27              Piano “Four Hands” – Guillermo Salvador and Rosalinda Preciado

Dec  1              DoloresMoreno, soprano, with the Chris Wilshere chamber orchestra

 

The concerts will take place in the Auditorium in Ajijic at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $250 pesos for members, $300 pesos for non-members. Season tickets are now available for these three concerts. Call Rosemary 766 – 1801. Patrons and Series ticket holders will have priority seating in reserved rows G and H center.

 


Degollado Teatro, Guadalajara

 

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