60 years of “People Helping People” May 2015 The Lake Chapala Society www.lakechapalasociety.com Message From the President On a sunny mid-April Sunday morning, instead of enjoying our gorgeous weather, the Lake Chapala Society Board of Directors met to plot a course for the next year. We considered our strategic objectives : 1. Improving the member and community perception of Lake Chapala Society 2. Optimizing programs for relevance now and in the future 3. Re-engineering the campus for current and future needs We identified the following key points we should focus on: • Growing our membership • Increasing our services to the Mexican community • Promoting our education programs • Integrating ex-pats into the local culture. Based on our strategic objectives and the key issues we developed these initiatives for LCS committees to work on this year: • Prepare recommendations for a marketing plan to increase member and community awareness of programs and services offered by the LCS • Develop tools to measure community and member perception to determine the effectiveness of the marketing plan and our program and service offerings • Prepare recommendations to enhance the community education programs • Develop a process to evaluate and prioritize existing and new programs • Submit a plan to re-engineer the LCS campus • Develop an annual giving and legacy giving plans We also discussed celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Lake Chapala Society and created an ad-hoc committee to plan the festivities. This committee, chaired by Yoly Martinez, is planning a fiesta for the entire community to celebrate not only our accomplishments of the last decades but also our hopes and aspirations for LCS in the future. In my articles over the next year I will keep you up to date on the progress of these initiatives. Ben White, LCS President LCS Community Education Program Benefit Show Cugini’s Boutique will present a fabulous summer fashion show at LCS to benefit the Lake Chapala Society Community Education Program. Featuring the the award-winning Dunes Line, Mi Capricho, stylish men’s shirts, and wonderful original jewelry, the show will take place on Saturday, May 30 at 3 p.m. on the LCS campus. Tickets are $150 pesos available at LCS and Cugini’s Boutique, located at Morelos #15 in Ajijic. LCS closed May 1, Dia de Labor, Mexican National Holiday (Labor Day) We Need You, Really! The Service Desk has openings for substitute volunteers. You need a friendly, outgoing personality plus the ability to function under occasional pressure. The job involves operating a computer-based point-of-sale system, (we’ll train you) and the ability to make change, etc. You’ll work four hour shifts. This may become a permanent one-day a week position. The Membership Desk has vacancies on both Wednesdays and Fridays. Volunteers can work two or four-hour shifts (four hours preferred) and should have some experience with computers. The Information Desk has an opening on Friday. Volunteers should have spent enough time at Lakeside to be at least a little familiar with directions and locations, etc., most important is that they be friendly, helpful and a great representative of LCS! Four-hour shift. The Library is looking for someone in reasonably good physical condition who can lift and bend, is familiar with computers, and can sort materials alphabetically. This position requires working four hour shifts. If you enjoy our services and our marvelous books. we need your help. Working in the library gives you the opportunity to explore all of the fiction and non-fiction work available here in Latin America’s largest English-language library. We need a Warren Hardy Spanish Language Program manager who will work with teachers at the beginning of each term and assist with signing up, evaluating, and placing potential students. Position requires working a week at LCS prior to each term for evaluating and signing up students and attending the first day of each session to confirm student enrollment. The IT Department is looking for volunteers who have experience building computers, installing software, and working with networks including overall troubleshooting. Position involves climbing stairs several times a day. The Special Events Coordinator is looking for volunteers to help with fiesta decorations, greet guests, and collect tickets. If you have a bit of flair and are an out-going person who is good with your hands, this may be for you. The Garden needs volunteers to plant, trim, weed and generally maintain our lovely gardens. Tea Anyone? This fall, LCS will introduce several new programs. In the planning stage right now is a new weekly program for Lakeside senior citizens. One afternoon each week we will hold a Senior’s High Tea on the grounds near the entrance gate. Members from our community, including those at the various senior’s facilities, will be welcomed to our lovely grounds for an afternoon of socializing while enjoying a traditional “high tea” of scones and strawberry jam (and tea of course) served by LCS volunteers. LCS’ New Pilot Program at Chapala High School On May 21, LCS will sponsor a career day at the Chapala High School, introducing students to the myriad of options available after high school. The program targets seniors and second semester juniors. LCS is deeply committed to education; we teach art to children, English and computer skills to adults, and provide financial aid to aspiring college students. This program is really about inspiring students to continue their education bringing Mexican success stories into their classrooms. The day will also include motivational speaker Victor Aldana, who embeds part of his message in a rap song. LCS volunteer Glorine Barnhardt has spearheaded this project, hoping to motivate the students and get them excited about life after high school. Selecting both blue and white collar professionals, this program will allow school administrators to focus on the areas of interest that they think will be most appealing to their students. Our job is to provide Mexican professionals in the areas they have selected, and coordinate it all. The logistics involved are a little complicated since the high school has both a morning and afternoon session. The school director, Juan Ramon Alvarez, and his assistants are very excited about this new collaboration. They have asked for a chef, nutritionist, small business owner, auto mechanic, artist, EMT, travel agent, engineer, web designer, real estate agent and others. We expect that over 500 students will participate. If this program is successful, we will expand it to other Lakeside junior and senior high schools upon request. If you want more information, or think you can help, please contact [email protected]. Yum! Our new culinary partner, Just Chillin’, has been on board at the café for about six weeks now to enthusiastic reviews from members and guests. Their menu has brought much-need variety to our offerings. Coffees available include Green Mountain, Chiapas, and decaf for those of you who don’t care for the highoctane stuff. Other beverages, in addition to the usual variety of teas, now include frappes. Try the usual bagels, muffins and cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and order luncheon fare like tuna salad on avocado, a selection of paninis, quesadillas, French fries and the long-awaited onion rings. Mini-burgers are coming soon. Cakes, pastries, granola bars, cookies and brownies round out the menu. The Just Chillin’ Café at LCS is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May Activities *Open to the Public ** US Citizens (S) Sign in required (C) Membership card required CRUZ ROJA * Cruz Roja Sales Table Mon-Fri 10-1 CRIV Monthly Meeting 2nd Wed 2-5 HEALTH INSURANCE * IMSS & Immigration Services Mon+Tues 10-1 Lakeside Insurance Broker Tues+Thur 11-2 HEALTH & LEGAL SERVICES * Becerra Immigration Thur 10:30-12:30 Blood Pressure Fri 10-12 Hearing Aid Services (S) Mon+2nd+4th, Sat 11-4 Ministerio Publico Wed May 13+27 10-2 Claravision Optometrist (S) Thur 9-4 Pharmaceutical Consultation 4th M10-12 Skin Cancer Screening (S) 2nd + 4th Wed 10-12 :30 US Consulate** Mon May 4 10-12 Sign up 10-11:30 LESSONS (C) Children’s Art Sat 10-12* Children’s Reading Program Sat 9-10* Exercise Mon+Wed+Fri 9-10 Fitness and Strenght Thru Yoga Mon+Fri 2-3:30, Sat 1-2:30 Line Dancing Tues+Thur 10-11:15 Thrusday Yoga Thur 2-3:30 LIBRARIES Audio Thur 10-12 Book & Video Mon-Sat 10-2 Library of Congress Books**/ Talking Books Thur 10-12 Wilkes Mon-Fri 9:30-7, Sat 9:30-1 SOCIAL ACTIVITIES (C) All Things Tech Fri 9:30-11:30 Bridge 4 Fun Tue + Thur 1-5 Conversaciones en Español Mon 10-12 Discussion Group Wed 12-1:30 English/Spanish Conversation Sat 11-12 Everyday Mindfulness Mon10:15-11:45 Film Aficionados Thur 2-4:30 Genealogy Forum Last Mon 2-4 Mac OS 1st Mon 12-1 Mac User Group 3rd Wed 1-2 Memoir Writers 2nd Wed 2-4 Needle Pushers Tues 10-12 Open Gaming (open to the public from 2) Mon 1-4* Philosophy Group Wed 10:-12 Scrabble Mon+Fri 12-1:50 Tournament Scrabble Tues 12-1:50 SERVICE & SUPPORT GROUPS * Have Hammer Workshop Demo 1st 3rd Mon 10-12* Information Desk Mon-Sat 10-2 Lakeside AA Mon +Thur 4:30-5:30 Ninos de Chapala y Ajijic Fri 10-12 Begins Apr 17 Open Circle Sun 10-12:30 SMART Recovery Wed 2:30-4 Toastmasters Mon 7-8:30 pm TICKET SALES Monday-Friday 10-12 * Video Library Additions - May There aren’t many good movies available right now. If you have any suggestions, please share them with us. And, as always, we need couriers. If you or anyone you know can help, please let someone in the Video Library know about it. DVDs do not take up much room. Below are some new ones for May. Please see the Video Library display board for more new movies and a variety of others available. Gone Girl #6891 Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike Drama The Imitation Game #6903 Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley Drama/Bio Le Confessional #6907 Lothaire Bluteau and Patrick Goyette (Quebec) Drama Saint Vincent #6894 Bill Murray and Melissa MacCarthy Comedy Whiplash #6906 Miles Teller and J. K. Simmons Drama/Music Convert your tapes to DVD’s for $50 pesos each. Just drop them off at Video Library desk. Follow Us on Facebook Now you can follow us on Facebook. Keep up on all things LCS - programs, activities, special events, updates and news. Like us at www.facebook.com/lakechapalasociety. Activities News Effective Monday, June 1, the Cruz Cruz Roja table will operate on its summer schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Costco will be at LCS Monday and Tuesday, May 11 and 12, for information about special offers and sales. Join or renew your membership. Please note: the U.S. Consulate will be at LCS Monday, May 4 from 10-12 p.m. In the Service Office Warren Hardy Spanish textbooks are available in the office. Donations for kitty care may also be made in the service office. Children’s Art Cards Our wonderful children’s art cards are available at the Just Chillin’ Cafe. The Kitty Fund You may make donations to the kitty fund for the care and feeding of our feline friends in the Service Office. Viva eSun! Thanks for checking our systems and for your continuing community support. English Language Program It’s May and one of Lake Chapala Society’s flagship community programs, English as a Second Language at the Wilkes Education Center, will be celebrating its annual ceremony of student accomplishment. Lead by program director, Inez Dayer, a team of volunteer ESL teachers including Sandy Jakubek, Harold Tracy, John Munroe and Les Strong have been hard at work planning ESL Student Recognition Day, May 9, 2015, from 5-7pm located on the back patio on the Lake Chapala Society grounds. Adult students over 15 years of age, who have been studying English through the LCS sponsored program since September 2014, have reason to be proud of their achievements in learning the language and participating in classroom instruction during the entire semester. Friends and families are invited to attend the ceremony and to enjoy light refreshments before and after the formal portion of the program. Each student will receive an embossed certificate, suitable for framing, presented by each class’s respective teacher. Six levels of English instruction will be honored: Basic, Basic Advanced, Levels II, III, IV and Conversation Class. Maria Huerta, Wilkes Student Liaison, anticipates that between 100 and 125 certificates will be awarded, a significant number considering conflicting work schedules and family responsibilities our students face throughout the course of a nine month commitment. Many students have already pre-registered to return to class in September. For adult residents who want to take advantage of this tuition free program (purchase of books required), registration for the 2015-2016 semester is scheduled for August 18- 20, 2015 from 12-2p.m. at Wilkes Education Center, 18 Galeana. Interested in volunteering to teach? Contact [email protected] Warren Hardy Spanish Language Classes Spanish language classes begin Monday, May 11 and run through June 27. This program uses the Warren Hardy Spanish language course designed for the adult student. The fee is $750 pesos. Register at the LCS service office on weekdays. The week of May 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the program manager will be available to answer questions and register students at on the LCS campus at the Blue Umbrella Patio. Visit the LCS website www.lakechapalasociety.com. Thursday Film Aficionados Open to LCS members only. Bring your card. All films shown in the Sala from 2-4 p.m. No food. No pets. May 7 Far From Men 2015 France- Algeria A French teacher in a Algerian village during the Algerian War forms an unexpected bond with an accused murderer and then is ordered to turn him over to the authorities. May 14 In Order of Disappearance 2015 Norway Hard-working snow plow driver Nils, has been named citizen of the year. He receives news that his son has died of a drug overdose. Disbelieving Nils soon uncovers evidence of his son’s murder. May 21 The Parade (Parada)- 2011 Serbia-Slovenia A homophobic middle-aged Serbian gangster ends up sacrificing himself to protect a gay freedom parade in Belgrade. This comedy-drama is based on a true story. May 28 Leviathan 2014 Russia This Academy Award nominee from Russia takes place in a coastal town where Nikolai is forced to fight the corrupt mayor when he is told his house will be demolished. May Bus Trips Thursday May 7 Galerias Mall The bus will leave from the sculpture in La Floresta at 9:30 a.m. returning to Ajijic by 5 p.m. Enjoy a day of shopping at stores like Liverpool, Best Buy, H&M, Sears, and adjacent stores Costco, Super Walmart, and Sam’s Club. There’s a variety of name restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang’s, Chili’s, Applebee’s, Outback Steak House and a central food court. Tuesday May 19 Quick Trip to Costco on Lopez Mateos Sur. This is a short five-hour shopping trip that includes the Mega super store with great selections and prices. The bus will leave the sculpture at La Floresta at 9:30 a.m. and return to Ajijc at 2:30 p.m. This trip is experimental, if you are interested, please let us know. or it will be discontinued. LCS bus trips sell out quickly, so buy your tickets soon in the LCS service office; cost is $250 pesos for members and $300 pesos for non-members. THE Lake Chapala Society, A.C. 16 de Septiembre #16-A, Ajijic, Jalisco LCS Main Office: (376) 766-1140 Office, information and other services - Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Grounds open until 5:00 p.m. LCS BOARD OF DIRECTORS. President - Ben White (2016); Vice-President - Cate Howell (2017); Treasurer - Michael Searles (2017); Secretary - Carole Wolff (2016); Directors: Matthew Butler (2016); Lois Cugini (2017); Ernest Gabbard (2016); Fred Harland (2017); Barbara Hildt (2017); Yoli Martinez (2017); Garry Musgrave (2017); Pete Soderman (2016); Joan Ward (2016); Immediate Past President: Howard Feldstein. Executive Director - Terry Vidal The LCS Newsletter is published monthly. Deadline for submissions is the 17th of the month preceding publication. Submit all news items to [email protected] Note: The editorial staff reserves the right to edit all submissions according to time, space availability and editorial decision.
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