Thanks to the dedication of Board member, Don Hering and his hard working volunteer crew, the Lake Chapala Humane Society has solved, at least temporarily, the problem of over crowding, a leaking roof and contaminated water. Although it took severasl months to complete, the dogs have new pens, a new tinaca is installed, the aljibe and the pipes are clean and the leaky roof has been replaced in time to be tested by the rainy season.

Crowded animals of tender temperaments and ages suff er as much distress as humans do who are living in crowded quarters. To offer some relief for these animals, the Humane Society has asked the community to volunteer to be dog walkers and cat comforters. The walking area is safe, the dogs are on a leash and you will be behind a tail that is wagging like a windshield wiper on high speed.

IF YOU DON'T SEE A RED CROSS..DON'T GIVE

Be aware the Red Cross was called upon over eight hundred times for assistance this year. Only 87 of those calls were for automobile accidents, the prime responsibility of the organization. While the Red Cross endeavors to be there for all emergencies, the majority of the public, once they are well, have short memories when it comes to making a donation for the services they received. Consequently, the organization is running short each month. They are only allowed to actively solicit funds during the month of May ... when most of the snowbirds have left town. Do not be fooled by the men and women you see standing in the streets with the white starched uniforms asking for donations. Those people have zip to do with the Red Cross. They are soliciting funds for an establishment in Guadaljara. Rumor has it that it is a rehab center and certainly a worthy cause, but it would seem that Guadalajara with a population base of over six million could take care of its own rather than come to the small village of Ajijic to solicit funds. If we in the lakeside area want to continue to have the services of the Red Cross available for ALL emergencies, we must support it financially. We give and support so many things and let lie fallow what might be the instrument that saves our lives. In this community of retirees, one never knows when there will be a need. We have many people in the community that give their expertise and their time, but the two tireless workers that come to mind are Shep Lencheck and Sam Perey.

AJIJIC FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE CINE .... IT'S A REALITY

As little as a thousand pesos for an individual makes you a Founding Member and puts you in the Inner Circle. Michael Eisner of Disney fame was so impressed he sent a check to the Ajijic Festival Internacional de Cine for a thousnd dollars. The kick-off cocktail party at the home of John and Norma King brought forth 150 people interested in being a part of this exciting event. It is not too late to get on the bandwagon. The increments range from a thousand pesos to five thousand pesos and the first festival starts on November 5th. Applications for feature films, documentaries, and short subjects have already been received from all over the world and will be screened to be sure only the best is considered. If you want to be part of a FIRST call Jim LLoyd @ 6 30 70.