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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.

May 2011

PAST EVENTS:

At the March CASA meeting – that’s Culinary Art Society of Ajijic – Ginger Perkins and Monica Molloy won First Place awards for their presentations. Monica presented South Indian Vegetable Curry in Category A, Vegetarian Entrée. For Category B, Cookies and Bars, Ginger won for Lemon Bars Deluxe. Linda Fossi and Sandy Feldmann won People’s Choice awards. Linda’s Vegetarian Entree was Exotic Mushroom Stroganoff and Sandy’s presentation in the Cookies and Bars category was Peanut Butter and Fudge Brownies with Salted Peanuts.

Official judges were Chef Eric of Hole in One, Irka Campbell, and Peter Barker of The Secret Garden. Pam Ladd and Marti Hurley came second and third respectively for Wild Mushroom Carmelized Onion Shepherd’s Pie and Lasagne de Acelgas a la Mexicana in category A. For category B, Hazel Tash and Roberta Hilleman won second and third for Chocolate Kumquat Bars and Deep Dish Chocolate Shortbread Pizza.

Anyone interested in learning more about CASA, contact Mary Ann Waite, President, at 766 – 1436. 

 


Ginger Perkins and Monica Malloy, CASA winners for March

 

Toward the end of March, the Lake Chapala Writers Conference Committee gave two sincere expressions of community appreciation.  The Hotel Real de Chapala has hosted the conferences for the past several years, and they have done a superb job. Luz Elena accepted a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the hotel. Following thanks to the hotel, the committee presented a donation on behalf of students (Jovénes Committee) in Santa Cruz de la Soledad, a community sorely in need of student supplies. Apolonio Rodriquez Siordia, Delegado (mayor), accepted.

 


– Harriet Hart, Luz Elena, Herbert Piekow

 

In April Los Cantantes performed their highly successful Spring Concert at the Auditorio de la Ribera. The show was called “Facets of Love” led by Timothy G. Ruff Welch, the group’s music director. Opera, pop, musicals and movie music, as well as songs in several languages, filled the exciting and diverse program. With so many musical pieces familiar and loved by the audience, there was a standing ovation by many attending. The opening song was Can You Feel the Love Tonight, and the final piece was Eres Tú performed by three extraordinary young Mexican singers.

Los Cantantes is planning to go to Vancouver next summer to participate in the annual choral competition with groups from many nations. The proceeds from the April concerts will help with the cost of travel. Check their website at loscantantesdellago.com. Not every choral group of seniors is good enough for an international competition. We are so lucky here.

 


Los Cantantes perform “Facets of Love”

 

Some of our local writers have been entering online contests and getting published in North American magazines. Some are winning money, as well. Mel Goldberg has won twice, this latest success for a sonnet contest by Writers Digest, a highly credible magazine in the field. While he did not place first, he was listed among the top 10 for a sonnet titled “Pony Express Rider”. This is not an easy position to attain from among thousands of entrants. Congratulations, Mel.

 

EVENTS TO COME:

May 3 is the 2011 Lakeside Community Awards for what individuals and groups have contributed to the quality of life here! This annual award ceremony is open to the public free of charge and will take place at the Auditorium in La Floresta, starting at 7:30 p.m.

The Committee was selected on the basis of their familiarity with individuals and groups and consisted of Lynne Bishop; Jeanne Chaussee, press; Kay Davis, press; Pat Doran; Aurora Michel Galindo; Tod Jonson; Hank Shiver; Dan McTavish; Megan Tingen; Joyce Langford Vath; and Mayor Jesus “Chuy” Cabrera of the City of Chapala. Two honorary members were Ektor Carranza and Richard Vath.

And the nominees are as follows. Please note that the winners are highlighted in bold print.

Woman of the Year: Joan Frost, Community Leader, charity giver for 25+ years; Anabel Frutos, Love in Action; Sandra Loridans, Rotary; Lina Polonsky, founder, Colegio de Axixic; Patsy Smart, building houses for poor people; Libby Townsend

Man of the Year: Morris Batstein, educator; Charles Klestadt, Red Cross dynamo; Rich Peterson, past president of Ni?os Incapacitados and Spanish teacher; Loren Reynolds, a decade of the continuing Chili Cook-Off; Todd Stong, potable water and lake preservation

Project of the Year: Anabel Frutos, Love in Action spearheader; Todd Stong, Water Purification

 

Couple of the Year: John and Rosemary Keeling, Viva La Musica and preservation of auditorium; Brigit and Peter Simons, charity work beyond any call

Restoration Project of the Year: Garden Club at WEC, beautify with plants at WEC; Viva La Musica, restoring the auditorium, John and Rosemary Keeling; Wipe Out Graffitti group, developed clean up

Cultural Award of the Year: Music Appreciation Society, continuous international musical event imports; Viva La Musica, continuous support of Mexican musical artists

 

Humanitarian of the Year: James Don, unending charity work with Ni?os y Jovenes; Anabel Frutos, humanitarian and charity efforts working Love in Action

Note: the following have only one possible winner – these are not highlighted.

International Cultural Award: Tom Gladney, Scotia Bank Northern Lights

Music Festival, musicians teaching local students to play instruments

Lifetime Achievement Award: Harry Wylie, author of HBO’s Best Picture of 2010

Keeper of the Flame: Libby Townsend, Tarahumara Indian project

 

Pioneer of the Year: Alejandro Grattan-Dominguez, Editor in Chief of El Ojo del Lago and Co-Founder in 1988 of the Ajijic Writers Group  

Teacher of the Year: Jose Francisco Cervantes Alvarez, Instituto Technologio Superior

Student of the Year:

Boy:  Luis Edgar Oliva Amezquita, Instituto Technologico Superior

Girl:  Lily Barker, Secundaria, highest scholastic rating Lakeside

Environmentalist Award of the Year: Dr. Todd Stong, dedication to potable water systems and preservation of the lake

Note:  Loren Reynolds, the back-bone of the annual Chili Cook-off and other charity events, died a few days before Easter this year without knowing that he had been unanimously selected as the 2010 Man of the Year sponsored by the Lakeside Community Awards, part of the Chapala City Hall’s “thank you’s” of the year. The ceremonies on May 3rd at 7:30 in the Ajijic Auditorium still honor Mr. Reynolds by preference of the entire Awards Committee. It has been an honor for all who have worked with him.

On May 13, 8:30 p.m. at Teatro Diana in Guadalajara, The Three Tenors from Italy, Ottavio Palmieri, Domingo Stasi and Igor Kucer, will give a concert for the first time in Mexico, accompanied by Failoni State Opera Orchestra of Hungary. Italian dramatic poems meant to be sung have brought fame for tragedies with lyrics. They are presented by this new generation of artists who have achieved worldwide fame at major U.S. venues, Russia, Hungary, China, Korea, Israel, Switzerland, Australia, Canada.

In a program of two parts, the tenors will show the audience the impressive vocals that have allowed them to play great roles. In the first part they will sing the most famous arias from operas like Tosca, Recondita Harmony and Elucevan le Stelle from La Traviata (Alfredo’s aria), among others. In the second part they will present the most beautiful arias from the operas The Merry Widow, Countess Marie, Land of Smiles and a number of famous Neapolitan songs like O Sole Mio, Funiculi-Funicula, Santa Lucia, the Spanish song La Amapola or the Mexican Granada.

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, at MixUp stores, or online at ticketmaster.com.mx. Prices range from $250 - $600 pesos, plus Ticketmaster service fee. There is no fee when buying tickets directly at Teatro Diana ticket office, open daily.

In addition, bus transportation may be arranged, much as VIVA does, if there are sufficient passengers. The cost will be $600 pesos including bus and tickets for the first two rows of the First Balcony. It will be necessary to know by May 4 how many wish this service. If there is sufficient interest, you will receive a special email and arrangements will be made to receive payment starting May 9. Please reserve seats by reply email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

 

Mulitple Events:

The American Legion post #7 schedule for May:

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

May  1..........Mexican holiday – Dia del Trabajo (Workers’ Day)

May  4..........9 – 9:45 a.m. – US Consulate Services (late? go to LCS)

May  5..........3 p.m. Maple Leaf Club – calling all Canadians

May  6..........8 a.m. – 1 p.m. yard sale

May 14..........5 p.m. – Parmesan Chicken (cocktails at 4)

May 26.........3 p.m. – Lone Star Club (Country-Western music)

May 30.........10 a.m. Memorial Day (ceremony 1:30 p.m., meal 2:30)

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

NOTE:  Several people have expressed an interest in forming a branch of the Royal Canadian Legion with the blessing of the American Legion Post #7 in Chapala. An exploratory meeting will be set up when responses are received. If interested, please contact Barbara Madren at (376) 765 – 5752 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 


Memorial Day at the Legion

 

If you haven’t driven by and seen the new Cruz Roja substation, it is on the highway heading west toward Jocotepec, leaving Ajijic. It is just east of Dona Lola’s restaurant and directly across from the car wash. Inside, it is spacious with a kitchenette and a half bath. The paramedics have arranged their furniture in one corner with two beds and a TV. A good used stove, 2 comfortable chairs and a shower head with all the attachments are still needed. Free training classes are planned for the near future, e.g. prenatal care, first aid and diabetic instruction for both patient and family. These classes will be in English and in Spanish and will be announced at a later date. If you should drive by and not see the ambulance and the doors are closed, the paramedics are out on a call. Remember that Cruz Roja (Red Cross) is for everyone 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

The new digital x-ray machine in Chapala has been installed and is operating. You can also have your blood pressure or your glucose checked at any time. Donations are appreciated.

Events the Cruz Roja International Volunteers are having include:

- The August 4 annual BBQ at the Chapala Golf and Country Club.

- The November 3 annual Golf Tournament at the Chapala Golf and Country Club.

Look for more in events in December and January.

And check out the new website at www.cruzrojalakeside.com.

Lakeside Little Theatre news:

The plays and directors for Season 47, 2011 – 2012 are:

1.  The Kitchen Witches by Caroline Smith, directed by Roger Treadway, running October 1- 9, 2011.

2.  Clue? – The Stage Play adapted for the stage by Anne O’Neemuss from Jonathan Lynn’s screenplay, directed by Roseann Wilshere, appearing from November 5 – 13, 2011.

3.  Greetings! By Tom Dudzick, directed by Peggy Lord Chilton, showing December 10 – 18, 2011.

4.  How the Other Half Loves by Alan Ayckbourne, directed by Dave McIntosh, January 14 – 22, 2012.

5.  Chicago by Kander, Ebb & Fosse, directed by Barbara Clippinger, choreographed by Alexis Hoff, running from February 25 – March 6.

6.  Sex Please, We’re Sixty by Michael & Susan Parker, directed by Larry King, running April 7 – 15, 2012.

LLT season ticket renewals & new ticket sales for Season 47 are $1,000 pesos per reserved seat for six plays from September 2011 – April 2012, including LLT membership.  Individual tickets are $200 pesos, $250 for the musical. Payment is preferred by cheques (checks) drawn on a Mexican bank. Season ticket holders who DO NOT WISH TO RENEW, please notify Paula McTavish at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 766 – 0954 (leave message) as soon as possible.

 


The Kitchen Witches

 

MAS Musica’s schedule for the 2011 – 2012 season upcoming:

Oct  18 – Blas Galindo Orchestra featuring Rodrigo’s “Concerto Andaluz”

Nov 15 – Ballet Classical and Neoclassical of Jalisco

Dec   8 – Children’s Choir of Morelia

Jan  19 – San Luis Obispo Philharmonic Orchestra

Feb 14 – “Classical FX” Washington DC Opera Company Quartet

All performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Auditorio, La Floresta.

VIVA! LA MUSICA Bus trips to the ‘Live from the Met’ Opera series at Teatro Diana will wind up on May 14 with Die Walküre by Wagner. The bus leaves at 9:30 a.m. for a performance at 11 a.m. Contact Marshall Krantz at 766 – 2834. Tickets cost $300 pesos for members, $350 pesos for non-members.

 


Die Walküre

 

As a wrap-up, here is a natural alternative to conventional medicine, sent to me by someone over 80 and busier than a bee.

Tame leg cramps with tomato juice. The culprit? Potassium deficiencies which occur when this mineral is flushed out by diuretics, caffeinated beverages or heavy perspiration. Sip 10 ounces of potassium-rich tomato juice and recovery will speed up while reducing a risk of painful cramp flare-ups.

 

 

 

Past Lakeside Living