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Lakeside Living
By Kay Davis

Phone: (376) 766-4774
or 765-3676 to leave messages
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

June 2010

Every spring I rejoice at the joys of nature in Mexico. Back home, heat means summer. Here summer is rainy season, and the cobblestones turn green with grass. And spring, while it is hot, is also a time for baby birds and for flowers.

 

PAST EVENTS:

In May CASA, the Culinary Society of Ajijic, offered the good smells of Indian, Asian and Oriental foods. The judges were Trudy Crippen, Clay Swinburn and Bill Murphy, who all have extensive experience with Asian and Indian cuisine. While the judges made their choices, Maru Kent, a cookbook author who has studied foods and cooking techniques around the world, made a special presentation on Asian and Oriental cuisine.

The main dish category was for an Indian/Asian/Oriental dish; Diane Pretti won first place for her delicious General Tso’s Chicken. Louise Drummond won second place for her Indian Butter Curry, and Third Place went to Patrick Winn for his Curry Chicken over Coconut Rice. Candy and Cookies took center stage in the second category, where Mary Ann Waite won first place for her Triple Chocolate Truffles, which were made in several layers. Cheryl Davis won second place for her Chocolate Hazelnut Toffee. First time presenter Susan Hood won third place for her Charlie Chan Mystery Delights. People’s Choice was won by Joe de Leon for his Sweet & Sour Pork with Pineapple & Veggies, there was a tie for the dessert category in which Cheryl Davis won again for her Toffee, and Karen Rowland won for her Chocolate Hazelnut Delights a la Mente.

All who would like to join in learning about and enjoying good food are encouraged to call Patrick Winn at 766-4842. He can also be reached by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and would be delighted to invite those interested to come as his guest.


Dianne Pretti, Mary Ann Waite, CASA winners for May

 

On May 4 the Lake Chapala Writers Conference presented a certificate to the Hotel Real de Chapala in thanks for their support of the January conference which held its sixth conference this past January. The conference has been highly successful in bringing interesting topics and speakers covering everything from fiction vs. non-fiction to how to find publishers. Some want to know how to inject humor. Others want to understand how to define and build characters, or plot. In today’s market, however, the “most asked” question is how to find a publisher. Having the facilities to host a conference and providing for all the detail support for a large group is something the Hotel Real has done very well.


Harriet Hart, representing the Writers Conference, presents certificate to Luz Elena Urciaga Herrera of the Hotel Real de Chapala for their support.

 

EVENTS TO COME:

On June 8 at 4:30 p.m. Sol y Luna’s pocket theater, Rio Bravo #10A, offers a performance that combines poetry with acting. Open to the public, no fee. If the 4:30 performance fills up, there will be a second performance at 5:30. The poetry is tanka, five lines, usually of ordinary life with a twist in the last line. The actors are some of our favorites: Jeritza McCarter, Fred Koesling, Ed Tasca, Dilia Suriel, Amaranta Santos and Carlos Rodriquez. The author of these intriguing short poems is Margaret Van Every, a local writer who has acted professionally in the States, Florida most recently. There will be a no host bar, and books of the tanka poems, entitled A Pillow Stuffed with Diamonds, will be available for signing following the performance. Here is a sample of Margaret’s tanka:

Some have fled the cold,

some, humidity and heat.

Others left the stress –

to find they can’t endure

the ennui of Paradise.

 

On June 18 – 20 the Naked Stage presents Under the Skin. This is the theater where the plays bite back. “Under the Skin” is a grueling relationship drama you won’t want to miss. Directed by Kristine Moily, the shows will be at Sol y Luna in West Ajijic, $70 pesos per ticket. All performances start at 4 p.m., reservations a must. Not for children. Mark your calendars also for July 16 – 18 when the group performs “The Dixie Swim Club.” For more information or to make reservations, call 766 – 2044, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Walking the Mourner’s Path is a non-denominational ministry which believes grieving is a natural part of living. Danny and Kay Borkowski completed the course of study as Bereavement Facilitators in April. At most ten participants meet once a week for eight weeks, each time for 90 minutes. This is a non-profit ministry; however, there is a charge for the program materials. If you would like to learn more about the program, visit www.mournerspath.com and if you are interested in participating in a local program, perhaps beginning in July, please contact Danny or Kay at 766 – 2495 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

November 12 – 14 the Feria Maestros del Lago (Artisan Fair) will return to the Chapala Yacht Club (Club de Yates) down behind the malecon in Chapala. Behind the malecon, you ask? Yes. Take Madero down to the last street at the lakefront; turn left and follow it to the Yacht Club. Parking may require a short walk.

We’ll give you more details later, but already artists are lining up from all over Mexico. They bring the culture of Mexican Indians prior to the arrival of the Conquistadores, and the skills are breath-taking. Everything that you might savor is available: from oversized rebozos (scarves) to Ojeda knives to masks and dolls that represent of each region, household items, clothing, beautiful pots (even some that won’t hold water), decorative pieces that leave viewers in awe. For instance, obsidian, formed in volcanoes, can do more than cut with a precision that rivals surgical lasers but can also be carved into decorative pieces that bring the culture to life. Entertainment includes ancient dances and costumes, music, food and drink, performances of other kinds, and sometimes surprises.

I love this fair and hope that you will mark your calendars so you won’t overbook in the fall. This, you will want to attend.


Thin Walled Pot

 

 Mulitple Events:

The American Legion post #7 schedule for June:

Saturdays: 9 – 1 p.m. McLegion breakfast

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

Jun  2 – 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.: US Consulate (no Social Security)

Jun  4 – 8 – 1 p.m. Yardsale

Jun  10 – 5 p.m. Music and Magic Dinner

Jun  11 – 9:45 a.m. World Cup Soccer Kickoff: Mexico vs So. Africa

Jun  21 – 5 p.m. Parmesan Chicken Dinner

Jun  24 – 3 p.m. Lone Star


Legion watches Mexico vs South Africa

 

 The Lake Chapala Society finished the 2009 budget year with revenues exceed­ing expenditures by 200,000 pesos. Results will be posted.

Thanks from LCS to two anonymous donors who paid to have venetian blinds made for the office, providing a calmer and cooler environment.

There is now a drop box near Video Rentals for the new Thrift Shop and for the July Fiesta (see below). Bring your un-needed clothing, household items and electrical equipment to the drop box. You can phone Richard Williams at 766-1303 to make arrangements for larger household items to be picked up directly from your home. Also, LCS needs volunteers to help in the Thrift Shop, Monday – Saturday, 10:30 - 3. LCS will train and work around your schedule.

Health Services

Blood Pressure               Monday & Friday, 10 – 12

Cruz Roja Sales Table   Monday – Saturday 10 – 12:30

Hearing Aids                   Monday, 2nd & 4th Saturdays 11 – 3

IMSS                                 Monday & Tuesday 10 – 1

NY Life/Seguros

Monterrey Insurance         Tuesday & Thursday 11 – 2

Optometrist                         Thursday 9 – 5

Safe Insurance                     Wednesday 11 – 2

Skin Cancer                          Wednesdays (2nd & 4th) 10 – 12, Sign -up

Crime Prevention Seminars presented by LCS & Ajijic Masons

Speaker Jim Jensen, Law Enforcement Professional

June 15 – December, 3rd Tuesday every month, 2 – 4:30 p.m. in the Sala

Seating:  max. 40 for each session

Admission: 50 pesos per session, tickets at LCS Tickets until June 14

Transfer old VHS to DVD at Video Rentals office, $50 pesos each; save your favorites.


VHS to DVD conversions at LCS

 

July 2 & 3 is the LCS Fiesta -- BAZAAR, BARGAINS & BAR-B-Q Donate goods to be sold (box near the Video Rental office). Clean out whatever you no longer use and donate your surplus stuff to Lake Chapala Society’s first Bazaar & BAR-B-Q and Children’s Art Sale. At the Bazaar, there will be plenty of books and videos from the LCS Libraries, and Children’s Art. Throughout the fiesta there will be a musical ambiance. Hot dogs and chili will be fired up on the grill, drinks served up at the bar. Admission free to members. To make arrangements for free delivery of heavy items, please contact Patricia Doran (766-2228) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Lakeside Little Theatre news:

Lakeside Little Theatre presents Summer Studio 2010. Conducted by Graham Miller, this is a workshop for novice and experienced actors as well as backstage crew members who want to increase their general theater knowledge. The workshops are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

May 21, Orientation & Sign-up meeting, 11 a.m. at the LLT.

June 2 – 25, Acting Techniques Workshop

June 28 – July 3, Scene Rehearsals

July 5 – 11, Dress Rehearsals & Public Performances

For information & sign-up, contact Graham Miller at 765 – 3693 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Free to 2009 – 2010 LLT members. Non-members $100 pesos.


LLT offers Workshops

 

Love in Action has recently extended the hours of their new Bazaar from 11 to 3, Monday through Friday. The Bazaar at Pedro Moreno No. 76 in Chapala has a range of useful items at very reasonable prices. The profits currently go towards the Center’s weekly food expense and a small stipend to a Bazaar staff person.

Donations of all kinds are needed. Besides clothing in good condition for all ages, big sellers are non-clothing items such as knick knacks, small appliances, towels, bedding, cooking utensils and furniture. While paperback books for adults do not sell well, children’s books do, even in English. 

Mary Anne Molinari and Anabel Frutos are co-managers at the Bazaar. Special thanks to volunteers John and Paula Tormey, Dorothy Slaiman, Gill Gilbrath, Anne Curtis and Dina Oropeza who have given many hours. However, more volunteers are needed to staff the Bazaar.  If you have time for a few hours per week, contact Mary Anne at 766-0175 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Friends of Love in Action are asked to pay a visit to the Bazaar located to the left of the entrance to the Love in Action Center on Pedro Moreno. Take the Ajijic-Chapala Carretera to Hidalgo, make a left at the light onto Madero, go past the Pemex and take the first right onto Pepe Guizar Boulevard at the boat sculpture just before Soriana. Drive several blocks down to where you see an orange hardware store building on the left. Turn right onto Av Los Patos and drive two blocks to LIA at the end of this short street.

VIVA! La Musica summer schedule starts with the Philharmonic. The orchestra will play all the Beethoven symphonies; bus trips depart:

Jun 6, 10:30 – Beethoven symphony No. 5, Tedesco guitar concerto

Jun 11, 4: 30 – Brahms piano concerto No. 1, Beethoven symphony No. 2

Jun 20, 10:30 – Beethoven violin concerto, Beethoven symphony No. 7

Jun 25, 4:30 – Mozart clarinet concerto, Beethoven symphony No. 4

Jul 2, 10:30 – Beethoven symphony No. 6 and No. 8

Jul 9, 4:30 – De Falla, Reineke flute concerto, Beethoven No. 3

Jul 18, 10:30 – Beethoven symphonies No. 9 and No. 1

Please call Marshall Krantz at 766 – 2834. Reservations are not confirmed until payment is received. Tickets are $200 pesos for members and $300 pesos for non-members. The bus will stop for dinner at a good restaurant in Guadalajara before Friday evening concerts.


Beethoven

Season tickets (auditorium, 7:30 p.m.) go on sale at LCS June 1 – June 17 (10 – 12): members $1,100 pesos $1,250 for non-members. Single tickets are $250 pesos for members and $300 pesos for non-members. Add $50 pesos for the opera.

Jun 17          Piano Trio: Joel Juan Qui, Chris Wilshere, Igor Konstantin,

Beethoven’s “Ghost” Trio and Dvorak’s “Dumky” Trio

Jul  15          Jalisco State Chorus

Aug. 19        Issac Ramirez, cello; Andres Sarre, piano

Sep. 14        Ensemble Filarmonica: Luciano Perez; soprano, Dolores Moreno

Oct. 21         Rigoletto, a fully staged opera, conducted by Luís Rodriquez

Opera Rigoletto

VIVA still needs volunteers to help with ticket sales, hospitality and other concert related duties. Please call Rosemary at 766 – 1801, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Doorways sometimes have a way of talking to us. This lovely front door is opened by Dilia Suriel, our local Latina Jazz singer, writer and computer wizard. The door is decorated by lovely Mexican ironwork which serves to reinforce the wood against break-ins, and notice the six hinges on each door. Not to discourage insurance! But a fortress can be beautiful, no? And the “fort” inside is home.

Doorway

 

Past Lakeside Living