Lakeside Living
By Kay Davis

Phone: (376) 766-4774
or 765-3676 to leave messages
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June 2009

      Events are listed like a calendar: past events, then those planned for the future. Some organizations offer multiple events or dates.
      The Culinary Association of Ajijic had a Caribbean theme for their April meeting. Island music, decorations and smells greeted them. CASA members celebrated the mood by wearing bright colors, Bermuda shorts, straw hats and lots of Mardi Gras beads. President Patrick Winn introduced new guests. Peter Palmer, owner of Pedro’s Restaurant and graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris gave an informative, fun presentation on Mexico’s unusual fruits and vegetables.
      In Caribbean Main Dishes, Cheryl Davis won 1st place for her Mofongo Stuffed Chicken on Caribbean Black Beans. Past President and BING winner Donna Carnall won 2nd place for her Caribbean Salmon with BB Sauce and Mango Veggie Salsa. Third Place went to Corbett Merchant for his Haitian Pepper Pot. The display of mouth-watering cakes and pies awarded Joe de Leon 1st place for his Godiva Chocolate Tres Leches Cake and 2nd to Pat Carroll for Pat’s Apple Pecan Cheesecake. Kenee Campo won 3rd place for her White Chocolate and Pecan Merengue Cake. Alice Hutson won People’s Choice for her Jamaican Jerk, and Marianne O’Halloran won for her Coconut Almond Cake with Raspberry-Lime Curd filling. For more information on CASA and joining the group, call Patrick at 766-4842 or he can be reached by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


People’s Choice CASA Winners

      The recent Chapala Country Club membership drive netted 53 new members. The club offered special, attractive terms and 53 new members quickly responded. As of mid-May there were only two available golfing memberships. Green fee play is an option for golfing non-members while social memberships are available for $100 pesos annual fee and include country club dining, social events and other social activities. The club is semi-private and nonprofit, offering a challenging golf course with beautiful surroundings and a clubhouse that includes dining facilities. For more information, contact Membership Chair Richard Belair at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the club’s website at rtkenterprise.com/CCChapala/Golfing.asp.


Lunch at Chapala Country Club

      The recent LPGA Morelia Championship Tournament held at Tres Marias Residential Golf Club attracted the likes of Michelle Wie, Christie Kerr, Paula Creamer, Morgan Pressel and, of course, Mexico’s own Lorena Ochoa who successfully defended last year’s title by one stroke in an exciting finish. Volunteer manager John Brown led 52 Lakeside volunteers who were commended for “an outstanding performance.” The next two tournaments will be the Mexican Open and Nationwide Tour in September at El Bosque Golf Club in Leon, Guanajuato, and the Lorena Ochoa LPGA Invitational Tournament in November at Guadalajara Country Club. To become a volunteer, contact Mike Smith at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or John Brown at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 763-5505.
      During the May meeting of the British Society, Libby Colterjhon (photo center) gave a presentation of do’s and do not’s when a spouse or partner dies. Also, during the meeting a new Union Jack Flag was presented by Lady Mary Flemming (right), representing both herself and Tad Davidson, to Ceri Dando (left) and to the club. The flag and its base were purchased with monies raised from the 50/50 raffle organized each month by Lady Mary. The British Society meets at 1 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month at Manix restaurant. For more details contact Alicia McNiff at 765-4786 or Ceri Dando This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


British Society receives new flag

      May 3, 45 Cruz Roja personnel enjoyed a five-hour Fiesta to thank them for their efforts during the Cruz Roja Mexicana National Colecta. They were served a full meal with dessert and soft drinks. The pool, Jacuzzi, and lawn football were part of the fun. The person collecting the most money during the Colecta was awarded $500 pesos, and the next five runners-up were awarded $200 pesos each. Juan Notenius, president of the Cruz Roja Chapala, presented the awards. Many members of the Cruz Roja Chapala Consejo were present to congratulate the winners. The Fiesta and all award expenses were paid for with personal funds from the members of Cruz Roja Chapala Consejo. No Cruz Roja money was spent for the fiesta or the awards.


Cruz Roja Colecta personnel

      On June 14 at 2 p.m. Los Cantantes del Lago, founded by Millicent Brandow, will present some of their wonderfully talented singers at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Riberas del Pilar. The concert is to benefit Los Cantantes’ Central Mexico Tour 2009. Joining Millicent are Timothy G. Ruff Welch, music director of Los Cantantes, Amy Friend (who will sing the blues with Tim), John Jones, Mac Morison (he and Millicent will sing “All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera), Amaranta Santos, Bill Vincent and Noé & The Classics. It promises to be a magical afternoon. Tickets are $150 pesos and will be available at LCS from June 1 – 13. Call Patricia at 766 – 5744 or Millicent at 765 – 5074. A cash bar will open at 1 p.m.
      The Ajijic Writers Film Forumwill show Chicago (2003) on June 23, 2009 at the Plaza Jardin Restaurant and Theater at 12:00 noon.  Doors will open for seating at 11:30 a.m. Food and drinks can be ordered (not included in admission fee). After the movie, there will be discussion on the story and characters, and of course, audience appeal. Participation from one and all is encouraged.
      Chicago With all the “razzle dazzle” of the stage musical, Chicago centers on Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, two criminals-of-passion on death row in 1920s Chicago. Velma, a vaudevillian, and Roxie, a housewife with aspirations, fight for the fame that will keep them from the gallows. The film stars Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger, and Richard Gere, also featuring Queen Latifah, John C. Reilly, Christine Baranski. Songs include “All That Jazz ,” “Funny Honey,” and “Nowadays.” Run time 113 minutes.
Food and drinks can be ordered (not included in $50 pesos admission fee). There will be a discussion of the story. Proceeds help fund a scholarship program through Los Niños de Chapala y Ajijic for a creative writing student. Tickets at the door or through Pat Percival. Contact Victoria Schmidt at 765–5858.


AWFF film showing June 23

      May 16, 2009 the American Legion Post #7 paid homage to the men and women of America’s military with a special “Armed Forces Day Salute”.  The event was held at Morelos #114 in Chapala, home of Post #7. The honors began with a presentation of the colors by the Chapala Police Department color guard in their seldom seen full-dress ceremonial uniforms, which were quite handsome. The flag presentation was followed by retired U.S. Coast Guard Captain Marty Flesh who spoke about “The U. S. Coast Guard: America’s most versatile service”. Dinner offered sweet and sour pork, stir-fried vegetables, rice and dessert. Lakeside keyboard favorite Ricardo played for listening and dancing.


American Legion and Auxiliary Chief Officers

      According to newly-elected Commander Tom Keehnen, “Some people will always squabble over the logic behind the wars throughout our history, but all of those presently serving, as well as our veterans, deserve the recognition and honor that can be bestowed upon them.” Pictured are Jami Keehnen, Auxiliary 1st Vice President, Mary Pumiglia, Auxiliary President, Tom Keehnen, Post #7 Commander, and Dan Williams, Past Post Commander and Legion Second Vice President. El Ojo del Lago praises these patriotic members for dedication to their nation and their charitable work in Mexico.
The American Legion schedule for June:
June 1          11 a.m. Legion Executive Board Meeting
June 2          11 a.m. Auxiliary Executive Board Meeting
June 3          9:30-11:30 a.m. US Consulate & Social Security
June 5          8 a.m.-1 p.m. Yard Sale
June 25        3 p.m. Lone Star club–be a Texan!
June 28        12:30 p.m. Doggie Day, special guest–Lakeside Spay & Neuter
July 1-3 p.m. Canada Day, special guest–Kathryn Aleong, Cdn Consul


Mexican Color Guard sing national anthem

      Lakeside Little Theater has two summer programs, one for potential directors, the other for actors, culminating in a public presentation of the play Passengers. Graham Miller, a five-year veteran of the LLT, will conduct the workshops. Emphasis will be on directing and acting techniques specifically useful here at the LLT. All workshops and auditions are 10-1 p.m. Play performances are 7:30 p.m. except Sundays at 3 p.m.
June 1-5       Director’s Workshop (this is full, space only for auditing)
June 8-12     Acting Techniques
June 12        Auditions for Passengers (open to all members)
June 15-19   Scene Rehearsals
June 22-28   Scene Rehearsals & Public Performances
June 29        Private Director’s Critique
      For more information, contact Graham Miller at 765 – 3693, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
      The 2009 – 2010 Season Audition and Performance Dates:
      1.  Regrets Only, a political comedy, runs September 26 – October 4; auditions are August 7 & 8, 10 a.m. sharp; for scripts, contact Trish Conner at 766 – 5233
      2.  The Mousetrap, an Agatha Christie mystery, runs October 31 – Nov. 9, no performance November 2; auditions are August 28 – 29, 10 a.m.; for scripts, contact Diane Jones at 765 – 2414
      3.   Don’t Dress for Dinner, a comedy, runs December 5 – 13; auditions are September 11 – 12, 10 a.m.; for scripts, contact Roger Tredway at 765 – 2427
      4.   The Dresser, a drama, runs January 16 – 24; auditions are September 25 – 26, 10 a.m.; for scripts, contact Larry King at 764 – 0381
      5.   The Boy Friend, a musical, runs February 27 – March 9; auditions are October 30 – 31 at 10 a.m.; for scripts, contact Allen McGill, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
      6.   Dracula, a thriller, runs April 3 – 11; auditions are November 13 – 14, 10 a.m.; for scripts, contact Tod Jonson at 766 – 1981
      Mexican Holidays for June:
June 11        Corpus Christi falls 60 days after Easter, which was April 12
this year.
June 13        San Antonio Tlayacapán celebrates fiestas patronales honoring Saint Anthony of Padua. Carry an umbrella. The rains are early.
June 21        Día de los Padres (Father’s Day) coincides with the beginning of summer this year.
June 29        San Juan Cosalá and San Juan Tecomatlán celebrate fiestas patronales featuring Saint John the Baptist.
Open Circle at LCS on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m.:
June 7          Bill Sanders
June 14        Susan Reynolds
June 21        Dilia Suriel – Mid-Life Radiance
June 28        Patsi Krakoff
July 5           Dionne Reid
      June 7 at 6 p.m. VIVA! La Musica will attend the performance of Madame Butterfly at the Degollado Theater.       Tickets are $600 pesos for members, $700 for non-members. To book a seat, contact Marshall Krantz at 766 – 2834. Eat early, no time for dinner in town.
      The summer schedule:
      June 25 Concert: unforgettable duo performance by Christopher Wilshere on violin and Joel Juan Qui on piano.
      July 30 Concert: returning Lakeside, baritones David Small and Luis Rodriguez from the University of Texas, performing operatic arias with members of the University of Guadalajara vocal workshop, accompanied by virtuoso pianist Jason Peterson.
      August 27 Concert: internationally recognized Jose White String Quartet with all principals in the Aguascalientes Symphony Orchestra.
      September 10 Concert: A “first” for Lakeside music lovers: the Opera The Elixir of Love by Donizetti conducted by Luis Rodriguez.
      October 8 Concert: Another romp with Cuauhtemoc Garcia Jazz Flute combo.
      Season ticket prices will be $900 pesos to members, $1,250 pesos to non members.  Individual tickets for the Opera in September will be $250 pesos for members ($350 pesos for non members) and the other four concerts will be $200 pesos for members ($300 pesos for non members). Concerts at the Auditorio, Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.

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