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Latest Conecciones Magazine & Upcoming Events...

Conecciones, January 2023 Conecciones

The latest edition of Lake Chapala Society's magazine, Conecciones (“Connections” in English) is now available for reading [a href="https://issuu.com/lakechapalasociety/docs/conecciones_january_2023" target="_blank" name="Conecciones"]** ON-LINE **[/a].

Or you can download a copy of the magazine to your PC [a href='newsletters.php' target='_blank']** DOWNLOAD HERE **[/a].

The mission of our magazine advances the mission of LCS: to “promote the active participation of lakeside's inhabitants to improve the quality of life Lakeside.” The articles in the magazine have been carefully chosen to entertain, educate, and provide information and inspiration to live a quality life lakeside.

The magazine's name, Conecciones, reflects its purpose — with LCS acting as a link that encourages connections amongst our unique populace. The name symbolizes the merging of cultures and ideas.
Nina Simone Concert An LCS Concert in the Park!
Good Night Miss Nina — a Nina Simone tribute

Date: Sunday, January 29, 2:30PM and 5:30Pm
Cost:
   VIP seating: $500 pesos
   General seating: $350 pesos

[a href='event_ticket_form.php' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ON-LINE[/a]
Diego Guerrero Singer and troubadour, has been a major part of the Vallarta entertainment scene for over 7 years.  In his new show, he is bringing a live-musical tribute to one of the greatest voices of all time, Nina Simone. Good Night, Miss Nina is a loving tribute featuring the ballads, jazz, and soul music of this remarkable artist along with his Live band.

Enjoy some of Nina’s songs such as - Wild is the Wind, I put a Spell on You, Ain’t Got No, I got Life, My Baby Just Cares About Me, Feeling Good, Don’t Let Me be Misunderstood and so much more.

This show has been the talk of Vallarta this season. Diego’s ability to channel the stylings and sincere reflections of one of the greatest singers of our times. Miss Simone was trained as a classic pianist and became a powerful singer, writer, and civil rights activist. Her music spanned styles from gospel, blues, jazz, R&B and pop. She recorded more than 40 albums and she was a much acclaimed singer and activist. She made a difference that impacted all of our lives.

Don’t miss this one time performance here in Ajijic!

Reserve your tickets now.
George Michael Concert An LCS Concert in the Park!
The George Michael Experience

Date: Monday, February 6, 2:30PM and 5:30Pm
Cost:
   VIP seating: $500 pesos
   General seating: $350 pesos

[a href='event_ticket_form.php' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ON-LINE[/a]
While growing up outside of Detroit Alsup gleefully ensconced himself in the pop music of the 1980s: Whitney Houston, Madonna, Rick Astley, Michael Jackson. But there was something about George Michael that struck a chord with Alsup. Yes, the British pop star offered a sense of kinship and distraction from the world around him. Along with a sense of confidence.

The George Michael Experience is first and foremost a musical event, featuring Alsup performing 20 hits, including “Careless Whisper,” “Faith,” “Freedom '90,” and “Outside.” The show has played to sold out crowds this past summer in Provincetown and is heading to Mexico for shows in Vallarta and Ajijic.

Reserve your tickets now.

Upcoming Educational Opportunities and Trips...
Creative Writing in Comala A Lake Chapala Society Educational Course and Touring Experience!

Creative Writing Class in Comala

Dates: January 14, 15, & 26
Cost: $6,500 pesos per person
Includes hotel for 2 nights, transportation, tour guide, tours, class, and entrance to two of the places
The last date to register is Jan 17
Min/Max sttendees required: 10/18

[a href='event_ticket_form.php' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ON-LINE[/a]
Join us for creative writing classes plus a three-day tour of the pueblo mágico Comala in the state of Colima.

Creative writing is considered an art, a door to express thoughts and emotions with imagination. We'll learn how to use language and 'voice', character development, dialogue, narration, backstory, theme, point-of-view, plotting, how to create the story Arc, and, of course, editing and critiquing.

Here is the itinerary:
Jan 24. Day One:
  • 8:00 am - Departure Ajijic
  • Arrival at Comala and check-in at Hotel Posada Comala
    Brief welcome walk and guided tour to the main square of Comala (discover main features of Comala)
  • Visit Suchitlán (a small indigenous community) and lunch at "Portales de Suchitlán" (regional cuisine)
  • Visit mask making studio (a 4 generation tradition recognized as one of the Masters of Popular Art in Mexico)
  • Visit the Alejandro Rangel museum in the small and quaint town of Nogueras
  • Visit a 19th-century Hacienda/Sugarcane factory in Nogueras
  • 5:30 pm - Return to the hotel and free time in the evening
Jan 25- Day Two:
  • Morning - Creative Writing with Rachel MacMillan at las Jaranas.
  • Lunch - "San Martin de Los Pinos" (outdoors)
  • Visit and taste of regional coffee producer- Discover the Independent community of La Yerbabuena (the closest town to the volcano)- Walk and enjoy nature by the crater lake "La María"
  • Return to the hotel and free time in the evening
Jan. 26 -Day Three:
  • Morning - Creative Writing with Rachel MacMillan at las Jaranas.
  • Farewell lunch at "Cuaxiote" gourmet regional cuisine
  • 3:00 pm - Return to Ajijic


For detailed information, please send an email to directoreducacion@lakechapalasociety.com

About your instructor:

Rachel McMillen, BA (Hons).
English Language & Literature (University of Melbourne)
Dip. Ed. (Melbourne)
Adult Education (Vancouver College)

Rachel McMillen is the author of four books, with a fifth scheduled for release in 2018.  Two of the books were nominated for the Arthur Ellis Award. She has also written articles for various publications including Pacific Yachting and Seasons Magazine
Mexican Manners A Lake Chapala Society Educational Course:

Mexican Manners
Instructor: Alfredo Pérez
Course Fee:
   LCS members: $500 MXN
   Non-members: $650 MXN
Course Dates: Wednesday Feb 1
Course Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Sala
Min/Max Students: 4/30
Enroll before Jan 28

[a href='personal_enrichment_form.php?course=mexManners' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a]
No Refunds

Description:
Cultural shock is a normal part of life when we move to another country whose habits are different. We have to observe and learn the local rules of urbanity, what body language issues are appropriate and which are not.

Why is the behavior of the inhabitants of the new place is different?

What do local people expect from me as a new inhabitant of the area?

What phrases should I use and at what times?

What should I understand about the time structure of the local people so different from mine?

We will share with you more about the Mexicans' mindset throughout history to understand why the past affects the present. In addition to other data that has been asked over time that can answer many questions about things that happen so commonly.

Our intention is to help you understand these basic and necessary questions for the real and adequate coexistence with your new neighbors. Another way to know Mexico. You will be given a handout so you can make notes during the class.

The topics we will be covering are:
General information about the regions in Mexico.
How the language reflects part of the ideology and logic of Mexicans.
Why Mexicans don’t say “no” and how to live with it.
What’s polite and what’s not.
Body signs, what they mean and how to use/interpret them.
Mexican time structure.
Greetings. Proximity/Personal space.
Basics of tipping.
Funerals.
and more...

About your instructor:

Alfredo is the current educational director of LCS. He has served as a university professor, undergraduate coordinator, and has taught courses throughout the state. He has been an entrepreneur with his own business in Guadalajara. He believes in education as a means of social improvement. His experiences as a Mexican have spanned more than 40 years :).
Aztec History and Culture A Lake Chapala Society Educational Course:

Aztec History and Culture
up to the Invasion by Cortez
Instructor: Ted rogers
Course Fee:
   LCS members: $980 MXN
   Non-members: $1,200 MXN
Course Dates: Feb 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24 & 28
Course Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: South Campus Boardroom


[a href='personal_enrichment_form.php?course=aztecCulture' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a]
No Refunds

Description:
In this nine-session course we will look at the cultures that predated the Aztecs, then the unification process by both conquest and commerce, that brought the Aztec empire into existence as a society that encompassed over five million people.

Included in this, we will look into Aztec art, mythology, cosmology, and day-to-day social life.

Beginning with the cultures that laid the foundation for the Aztec society around 1600 B.C., we will finish with the Aztec Empire just before the arrival of Cortez.

About your instructor:

Ted Rogers P.h. D.

Ted is an energetic and enthusiastic instructor. Holding a triple concentration Ph.D. in history from the University of Colorado, Ted also earned that university’s top teaching award. He has been Visiting Scholar at the London School of Economics, Lambeth Palace, and the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library. His travels to over fifty countries, having lived in four of them, give him a unique perspective, which further informs his teaching. He is published in three countries. Ted is a permanent resident of Ajijic, where he lives with his beautiful wife, Glenda, and their three crazy dogs.
Get Your Jalisco Driver's License A Lake Chapala Society Educational Course:

Getting your Jalisco driver's license
without losing your mind
Instructor: Alfredo Pérez
Course Fee:
   LCS members: $600 MXN
   Non-members: $780 MXN
Course Dates: Feb 8 & 15
Course Time: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Sala
Min/Max Students: 4/30
Enroll before Feb 4

[a href='personal_enrichment_form.php?course=driversLic' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a]
No Refunds

Description:
To support you in getting your Jalisco driver's license, we've prepared this class to guide you through the entire process, from making sure you have the necessary documents, including how to get some of them, knowing and understanding the process, to sharing with you other topics such as:
Documents and processing
Types of driver's license in Jalisco
Mexican Police (types, levels and duties)
Secretary of Transportation in Jalisco
Visual traffic signs
Body language and sound of traffic agents
What about the road knowledge and the practical driving test

All the necessary orientation to get your driver's license in your hands. Material will be sent by email a few days after you enroll.

About your instructor:

Alfredo Pérez is the current education director at LCS. He has served as a university professor, coordinator of undergraduate level in the university, has taught different workshops in the state. He has been an entrepreneur with his own business in Guadalajara. He believes in education as a means of social improvement. His experience as a Mexican has spanned more than 40 years. LOL.
Intro to Lakeside A Lake Chapala Society Educational Course:

Intro to Lakeside — In-Person
Instructor: Barbara Harkness
Course Fee:
   LCS members: $660 MXN
   Non-members: $850 MXN
Course Date: Monday Feb 13
Course Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Sala
Min/Max Students: 4/30
Enroll before Feb 10

[a href='personal_enrichment_form.php?course=introLakeside' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a]
No Refunds

Description:
Are you planning to move to Chapala’s Lakeside or have you just moved? Welcome to Mexico!

Let us support you with basic information that will help you make good decisions and understand how things work in the region. There is a world to know. But, let's start with the basics. In this class you will learn about the following topics:

Where exactly is Lakeside
Lakeside Communities
Ajijic Village
Fiestas
LCS
Health & Medical
Eating Out - Eating In
Money - Banks & ATM’s
Churches
Entertainment & Recreation
Transportation
Accommodation ∧ Utilities

At the class, you will be given some materials that will be helpful for your stay.

Prepare your questions — we'll be ready to give you answers.
   
Advance Care A Lake Chapala Society Educational Course:

Advance Care Planning Workshop
on Living Well and Dying Well in Lakeside
Instructor: Loretta Downs
Course Fee:
   LCS members: $500 MXN
   Non-members: $650 MXN
Course Dates: Feb 15 & 22
Course Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Sala
Min/Max Students: 6/30
Enroll before: Feb 14
[a href='personal_enrichment_form.php?course=advanceCare' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a]
No Refunds

Description:
This is a two-session class.

In Session One you learn about the practical aspects of preparing for the end of your life. We explore the legal paperwork necessary in Mexico to protect yourself from unwanted medical care, and how to create a system of support for yourself.

Session Two reviews Part 1 and examines eight practices for creating peaceful transitions through life and death, and how to talk to loved ones about your end-of-life wishes.

Handouts are included. Bring material for taking notes.

Comments from previous attendees:
“Thank you so much for the very useful and heartfelt presentations.”

“It was extremely beneficial.”

“I attended your recent workshop at LCS. Thank you for the most helpful conversation and information. You help with some rather difficult decisions and actions and do it well - with directness, obvious care for the group, and humor as well. I thought you managed the conversation well, allowing participants to express their appropriate concerns, stories, and questions and skillfully moving away from those unhelpful. I'm 77 and have put this off, not avoiding it, just postponing it. Now, with your help, I'm addressing it. You are providing a very important and well-managed service.”

“I know everyone who took your class is feeling the same way I am — grateful. THANK YOU!”

About your instructor:

Loretta Downs
Loretta Downs, MS, CSA, has a master's degree in gerontology and thanatology and is a certified advance care planning facilitator, Certified Senior Advisor, death doula, and inspirational public speaker with over 35 years of experience working with end-of-life issues. She is an advocate for a gentle exit and dignified departure.
Advance Care A Lake Chapala Society Educational Course:

Wills and Testaments in Mexico Instructor: Solbes & Solbes Abogados
Course Fee:
   LCS members: $500 MXN
   Non-members: $650 MXN
Course Dates: Feb 17 & 24
Course Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: Sala
Min/Max Students: 4/30
Enroll before: Feb 15
[a href='personal_enrichment_form.php?course=wills' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a]
No Refunds

Description:
This is a two-session class.

Moving to another country might be a very confusing experience when it comes to how the law works there. Our head gets full of questions and doubts. So that going to the experts will give us clarity and mind and power of decision.

This course is all about Wills. Being prepared in the event of death is an important consideration, especially when living in a foreign country.

This course will explore many important things to know when preparing your last will and testament. If you are considering a will, this course will help you prepare one in time to take advantage of “Mes del Testamento,” (Month of the Will) in September. Two institutions of Jalisco work together to bring a much lower price for wills and testaments in September.
About your instructor:

María de las Nieves Solbes
A lawyer (abogada) graduated from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Throughout her professional career, she has worked as a coordinator, strategist, and executor of legal solutions in various institutions of the financial sector, mainly banks, bonding, and insurance companies, also developing advisory and litigation functions at managerial levels, specializing in civil matters, commercial, contractual, and in the judicial and extrajudicial collection. Thanks to her leadership skills and the in-depth study of the matters entrusted to her, she has been able to develop strategic skills in complex litigation. She is currently a judicial mediator, with a high percentage of conflict resolution.
Intro to Lakeside - Online A Lake Chapala Society Educational Course:

Intro to Lakeside — Online (via Zoom)
Instructor: Barbara Harkness
Course Fee:
   LCS members: $660 MXN
   Non-members: $850 MXN
Course Date: Monday Feb 20
Course Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Via Zoom
Min/Max Students: 4/10
Enroll before Feb 15

[a href='personal_enrichment_form.php?course=introLakesideOnline' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a]
No Refunds

Description:
Are you planning to move to Chapala’s Lakeside or have you just moved? Welcome to Mexico!

Let us support you with basic information that will help you make good decisions and understand how things work in the region. There is a world to know. But, let's start with the basics. In this class you will learn about the following topics:

Where exactly is Lakeside
Lakeside Communities
Ajijic Village
Fiestas
LCS
Health & Medical
Eating Out - Eating In
Money - Banks & ATM’s
Churches
Entertainment & Recreation
Transportation
Accommodation ∧ Utilities

This class is given by Zoom. We do not record it. It is completely live.

We will send you some materials as well as the link to the session by email so that you can follow the class in a clearer and more orderly manner. There is a lot to learn. The email is sent from 24 to 48 hours prior to the class.

Prepare your questions — we'll be ready to give you answers.
El viaje a México A Lake Chapala Society Spanish Course:

El viaje a México
Spanish conversation
Instructor: Neri Navarro / Phil Rylett
Course Fee:
   LCS members: $300 MXN
   Non-members: $390 MXN
Course Dates: POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Course Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Neill James Patio
Min/Max Students: 6/20

[a href='spanish_form.php' target='_blank']CLICK HERE TO ENROLL ON-LINE[/a]
No Refunds

Description:
Welcome to a journey into Mexico where you will need all your Spanish to complete your trip.

This viaje a México (Journey into Mexico) is a simulation of arriving at the Mexico/US border, as well as preparing a trip to Mexico City.

You will travel through our border zone experiencing realistic travel-oriented situations, while conversing with native Spanish speakers.

You'll visit the bank, pharmacy, restaurant, and go through immigration and customs.

You'll soon be ready to travel anywhere your Spanish takes you!

This is an activity for anyone who wants to practice their Spanish in a semi-controlled environment, while having fun. You'll discover you actually know more Spanish than you think.

We'll provide all the necessary materials for you to participate.