March 2015 - Lake Chapala Society

60 years of “People Helping People”
March 2015
The Lake Chapala Society
www.lakechapalasociety.com
LCS Annual General Meeting
Proposed Dues Changes
This year at the Annual General Meeting, scheduled for March 18
at 10 am, The Lake Chapala Society will have its first Extraordinary
Meeting in five years to discuss changes to the LCS Constitution.
Your Board of Directors has the utmost respect for this governing
document and has developed these changes in the interest of good
governance and organizational sustainability. This article discusses
the specific changes and the rationale for each.
Amendment to Article 2: LCS Mission Statement
The change to the LCS mission statement will pave the way for
the LCS to apply for donatario (tax exempt) status in Mexico. This
status will allow the LCS to issue tax exempt receipts for donations
and protect our membership dues from taxation. The NAFTA treaty
between Mexico, the United States, and Canada, this will allow us
to apply for tax exempt status in these countries as well. This will
greatly enhance our ability to raise funds to sustain and enhance
our Community Education Programs that directly benefit the
Mexican community. For the complete text of the before and after
changes to the Mission Statement please refer to the article entitled
“Path to Charitable Tax Status for LCS” in the January edition of this
newsletter.
Amendments to Article 9: Board of Directors
Below is a synopsis of the amendments. Changes are in boldface.
9.01.1 - This change clarifies the number (between 9 and 13) of
voting members on the Board of Directors.
9.01.4 – This clarifies that a spouse or significant other may not
serve on the Board simultaneously as a voting member. The
concern is the potential for spouses or significant others, each with
voting rights, forming a voting bloc and influencing the outcome
of a close vote.
9.01.5 – This modification clarifies the role of the immediate past
presidents who serve in an advisory capacity to the board. Their
role is to provide institutional memory to the board regarding past
decisions and to provide their perspectives on new issues that may
confront the board as times and governance demands change.
Amendment to Article 9: Obligations of the Board of Directors
This amendment allows a director to participate in board meetings
electronically through the Internet when they are unable to attend
meetings here in Ajijic. This change will help the LCS recruit the
most qualified people to serve on the board and facilitate a quorum
to ensure business in conducted in a timely fashion.
Amendment to Article 11: Funds
Because operating costs, which include payroll, employee
benefits, repairs, maintenance, utilities, taxes, and office supplies
continue to increase annually, this amendment eliminates the need
to go back to membership each year for a dues increase. Dues would
be increased annually by the cost of living as measured by the Bank
of Mexico. Any additional dues increases above this amount would
require approval at the Annual General Meeting. Based on recent
estimates the cost of living increase is around 4%-5%. At 5%, the
dues increase would be 25 pesos or about $1.70 US at the current
exchange rate. Details regarding the dues changes are in the article
to the right
I hope you will be able to find the time to attend this important
meeting to discuss these amendments and exercise your right to
vote on the future direction of the LCS.
If you have questions or concerns about any of these amendments,
please contact me at [email protected].
Ben White, President`
This year at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) the membership
will be asked to ratify new membership categories and a new dues
structure. The current types of membership categories are:
• Regular members
• Associate members
Regular members pay annual dues, are members in good standing,
and have all privileges including voting at the AGM. This category
would remain the same. Associate members have limited privileges
and no voting rights. This type of membership would be renamed
“Monthly Membership” with the same privileges and rights and would
simply clarify the time frame for the membership. Multiple months of
membership could continue to be purchased.
Proposed New Membership Categories
A new membership category is proposed called “Senior Members”
for members who are 79 years of age or older and would have the same
privileges and rights as regular members, but at reduced annual dues.
This category is being proposed to encourage members to continue
their participation at an attractive rate as they grow older.
Another new member category proposed is “Student Members”.
To qualify, the student must be enrolled at an educational institution,
full-time or part-time (at least 6 hours). Students would have the same
privileges and rights as regular members and would also pay a reduced
rate. This category is being proposed in the hope of encouraging
Mexican students to join LCS.
The LCS Board is also proposing to eliminate multiple member
discounts. Each member would pay the same rate and there would
no longer be a discount for couple, triple or quadruple memberships.
It would also mean each member would have their own registered
email and would thus receive correspondence and surveys from the
LCS. In addition, each member would be eligible for an LCS Directory.
This would also facilitate improved communications, tracking of
demographic data, and greater understanding of member preferences
relating to participation in LCS programs and services.
Proposed Dues for Membership Categories
The board proposes to change the dues structure to ensure that the
overall dues collected in 2016 will be revenue neutral. This change in
the dues structure, by itself, will not result in increased revenue for
LCS. To facilitate this revenue neutral position the following changes
to the dues are proposed:
Regular Members
$525 pesos
Senior Members
$500 pesos
Monthly Membership
$100 pesos per month
Student Members
$250 pesos
This will result in a reduction to regular members of $25 pesos.
The objective of these changes is to promote fairness while keeping
the financial integrity of the LCS intact. These changes will improve
communication with our members and the quality of our demographic
data.
If you have questions or concerns about these proposed changes,
contact the President of the Board, Ben White, at President@
lakechapalasociety.com.
New Activity Notes
Costco will be here March 3 - 4 on the Blue Umbrella Patio from 1012 p.m. with information on memberships, sales, and special offers.
Please note that Becerra Immigration has changed from Fridays to
Thursdays at the same time and location.
Still Want Your Stuff
The LCS collection bin is gone,
but the need for your saleable
merchandise carries on.
Last month we told you we needed
your “stuff” (and we still do), but
this month we are appealing to you to come and visit us and see
the “stuff” we’ve got to offer. We need you! We have been selling
furniture, home furnishings, clothes, books, bric-a-brac, and artwork
at ridiculously low prices.
So, take a little trip out to Riberas del Pilar, on the carretera across
from 7-Eleven and browse through our shop. Maybe you’ll find
something you never thought you’d need…maybe just a little
present for yourself…or someone special.
March Bus Trips
Wednesday, March 4 Galerias Mall-leaves the sculpture at 9:30 a.m.
$250 for members and $300 for nonmembers. Galerias Mall features
stores including Best Buy, Sears, Liverpool, H&M, and Sanborn’s.
Nearby are Super Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco, and Super-Mega.
US and Mexican restaurants are located in and around the mall,
including the new Cheesecake Factory.
Thursday, March 19 Andares Mall and the lovely nearby Japanese
Gardens, a gift from Guardalajara’s sister city, Kyoto, Japan. Members
$250 pesos and $300 pesos for non-members. Leaves from the
sculpture at 9:30 a.m.
Introduction to Spanish
This is a casual class offered for the beginner that covers the
Spanish alphabet, simple vocabulary, phrases, and other useful
information about Lakeside and Mexican culture.
Classes are held the first Tuesday of the month and run for
three weeks from noon to 1:30 p.m. Materials are provided and
tuition is $175 pesos. For information, email Peter Donaldson
[email protected].
New LCS Volunteer Coordinator
Rachel McMillen, our new volunteer coordinator, made Ajijic
her home some five years ago. Rachel is responsible for recruiting,
screening, placing and evaluating volunteers to assure that LCS’
services run efficiently. A graduate of Melbourne University, she has
additional diplomas in adult education accounting. Her business
training firm provided training to various private, government and
aboriginal organizations in customer service, systems development,
financial operations and marketing.
Rachel, author of the “Dark Moon Walking” and “Black Tide Rising”
mystery novels, both of which are available in the LCS library also
serves on the board of Feria Maestros del Artes.
Neill James Lecture Series Returns
Tuesdays 2- 4 p.m. in the Sala Open to the Public
March 3 Karl Homann - “Satire from the Roman Hills to Capitol Hill”.
Informative, entertaining and humorous.
March 10 Bill Frayer - “Critical Thinking – Skills Worth Knowing”.
Learn how and why some of our reasoning is irrational and how we
can improve our critical thinking.
March 24 Roger Heath - “The Public Cost of Billionaires”. Based on
Thomas Piketty’s very popular and controversial book titled, “Capital
in the Twenty-First Century” (2013). Do billionaires in our society
make our lives better or worse?
March 31 Phillip Rylett’s - “The Illusion of Free Will”. Do you have
complete free will, or are your decisions and actions dictated by
your mental/psychological back-up and previous experiences? Use
your illusion of free will to bring yourself to this fascinating lecture.
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AGENDA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015
10:00 a.m. LCS Courtyard
Call to Order
Establishment of Quorum
Adoption of Agenda
Adoption of Minutes
Annual General Meeting Minutes of the March 13, 2014
President’s Report
Recess Annual General Meeting and Convene
Extraordinary Meeting
Adjourn Extraordinary Meeting and Reconvene Annual
General Meeting
Ratification of 2014 Financial Report
Receipt of the 2015 Budget Projections
Receive Report from External Financial Auditor for 2014
& Ratify Appointment of External Auditor 2015
Ratification of Membership Categories & Dues
Ratification of Reserve Fund Deposit
Report on Annual Objectives
Election of Board Officers & Directors-at-Large
Adjournment
Agenda Extraordinary Meeting Agenda
March 18, 2015
Call to Order
Establishment of Quorum
Adoption of Agenda
Proposed Bylaw Revisions to the Constitution
Article 2 Vision and Mission Statement Revision
Article 9 Board of Directors
Article 9.04 - Addition
Article 11 Funds - Addition
Adjourn Extraordinary Meeting
Candididates for 2015 Board
*Incumbent.
Vice President
Cate Howell*
Treasurer
Michael Searles*
Member-at Large: Lois Cugini*, Barbara Hildt, Yolanda Martinez, Garry Musgrave, Fred Harland* (to be appointed to a vacated seat
through the remainder of its term - 2016).
Barbara Hildt served in Peace Corps Brazil doing rural community
development. She served 5 terms in the Massachusetts House
of Representatives. She was president of the board of WAND,
Women´s Action for New Directions.
She established Youth Empowerment Services, YES Inc., a nonprofit that conducted trainings for youth. She served a term on the
board of Love in Action. Currently she is Director of Publicity as a
member of the board of Viva La Music.
Yolanda Martinez Llamas from Michoacan México, lived in
Guadalajara until age 12 then moved to Chicago IL. While working
part time in a beauty shop she also worked for Mujeres Latinas en
Acción. After returning to Ajijic, she opened Yoly’s Beauty Shop and
Salvador’s Restaurant.
She became active in DIF and was president of a program for
abused women. She is currently President of the Lakeside Chamber
of Commerce and a member of the board of directors of: State
Security, the Red Cross, and SIMAPA.
Garry Musgrave was a technical design consultant in the
construction industry. An expert in: architectural drawings, project
budgets, construction spec writing, and oversight of contractors.
He has published three books including: “The Jalisco Condo Law in
English” and the “Jalisco Condo Manual,” where he developed skills
in translating Spanish legalese.
Also on the Board of his condo, he prepares financial reports and
coordinates the annual assemblies. He volunteers at the Children’s
Art Program..
MARCH 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
San Javier
Last Thur 10-12
HEALTH & LEGAL SERVICES *
Becerra Immigration
Thur 10:30-12:30
Blood Pressure
Mon+Fri 10-12
Hearing Aid Services (S)
Mon+2nd+4th, Sat 11-4
Ministerio Publico
Wed Mar 4+25 10-2
Optometrist Claravision (S)
Thur 9-4
Skin Cancer Screening (S)
2nd + 4th Wed 10-12 :30
US Consulate**
Wed Mar 11 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
Intermediate Hatha Yoga
Tue+ Thur 2-3:30, Sat 1-2:30
Line Dancing
Tues+Thur 10-11:15
Scottish Country Dancing
Thur 11:30-1:30
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
Beginner’s Android Classes (S)
Tue 9:30-11:30
Beginners iPad Classes (S)
Thur 10-11:45
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
History Club
3rd Tue 1:30-4
Mac OS
1st Mon 12-1
Mac User Group
3rd Wed 1-2
Needle Pushers
Tues 10-12
Neill James Lectures
1st, 2nd, 4th, last Tue 2-4
Open Gaming (open to the public from 2)
Mon 1-4*
Philosophy Group
Wed 10:30-11:45
Scrabble
Mon+Fri 12-1:50
TED Learning Seminars
Tues 12-1:20
Tournament Scrabble
Tues 12-1:50
SERVICE & SUPPORT GROUPS *
Have Hammer Workshop Demo
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
Open Circle
Sun 10-12:30
SMART Recovery
Wed 2:30-4
Toastmasters
Mon 7-8:30 pm
TICKET SALES Monday-Friday 10-12 *
Viva eSun!
In the first full year of operation2013-2014, our eSun power array
saved LCS a whopping 59.3%!
Follow Us on Facebook
Now you can follow us on Facebook. You can
keep up on all things LCS - programs, activities,
upcoming special events, updates and news. Like
us at www.facebook.com/lakechapalasociety.
VIDEO LIBRARY NEW ADDITIONS
New for March
See the Video Library bulletin board and the binders on the
counter to find films of interest.
This is a partial list of the new additions. Space considerations limit us to this
abbreviated format. See the LCS web page or the green catalogs outside the
Video Library to get full review of 20+ new additions.
Elsa and Fred #6844 Shirley MacClaine and Christopher Plummer Comedy
Herod’s Law #6839 Mexico, 1949. The fable of a janitor turned mayor in a little
town lost in the Mexican desert, who gradually realizes how far his newly-acquired
power and corruption can get him. Foreign comedy
A Most Wanted Man #6853 Phillip Seymour Hoffman Mystery
Hysteria #6843 Maggie Gyllenhaal and Hugh Dancy The truth of how Mortimer
Granville devised the invention of the first vibrator in the name of medical science.
Pleasantly humorous
The Hedgehog #6851 Paloma meets some kindred spirits in her building's
grumpy concierge and an enigmatic, elegant neighbor, both of whom inspire
Paloma to question her rather pessimistic outlook on life – Foreign drama
Got VHS tapes you’d like transferred to dvd discs? Ask the volunteer on duty
for more information.
Bravo Theatre and LCS Look to a Brilliant Future
The Bravo Theatre’s latest offering, “ I, Claudia” - Directed by Lynn Phelan and
starring Jayme Littlejohn runs March 12, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., March 15 at 3 p.m.
and March 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for this production are $200 and are available at Diane Pearl Colecciones,
Mia’s Boutique, or by email at [email protected]. The Bravo Theatre will be
sharing some of its proceeds with LCS.
The Bravo Theatre is located at Rio Bravo #10B, in Ajijic.
Best Wishes for the 2015
Festival del Lago
Join the throngs celebrating the magic on Sunday,
March 15 along the malecon in Chapala for the Festival
del Lago. Celebrate with friends, family and visitors
and enjoy food, fun and colorful crafts along the lake.
Good With Your Hands?
Special Events Coordinator Karla Boentgen is looking for people with a bit of
flair to help with fiesta decorations, greet guests, and collect tickets. We’d love to
have you work with us. Call Karla at 766-0461 for more information.
Android for Beginners
To meet the high demand for this platform, a new session of Android for
Beginners -- both tablets and phones, will start on Tuesday, March 3, in the
Pavilion from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. You must pre-register to attend. If you wish
to register or obtain more details, send an e-mail with your name and LCS
membership number to [email protected].
Space limitations allow us only 18 participants, and only registered
participants will be guaranteed a seat. Late registrants will be scheduled into
the next class in `April. You must be a paid up member of LCS with the password
for the LCS WiFi available from the office. The service desk cannot register you,
nor can you register by phone.
Topics will include connecting to the Internet, sending and receiving e-mail,
connecting to the Google store and downloading apps, downloading and
reading e-books, music and other media, taking and e-mailing photos, setting
up folders, basic word processing functions and travelling with your Android
device. Participants will also be asked what they would like to be covered. This
is a beginner’s class open to members and associates only.
They’re Here!
The new 2015 LCS directories are here and available to
members. Ask in the Service Office for your copy.
Thanks to Casther Paints
LCS received a generous donation of much-needed waterrepellent roofing materials from Casther Paints for the roof
of the Service Office.
AbueLinda’s Cooking Classes for March
Marvelous March culinary adventures continue to focus on
favorite fare representing different regions of Mexico. Cost is $300
pesos for members and $350 pesos for non-members per class. See
the website for the complete listing and details of each offering.
With 500 national dishes will we ever finish our adventures?
Mexican Specialties: Vera Cruz- Pescado a la Veracruzana
3 March, Tuesday, 4 – 6 p.m. Deadline: February 28
Tianguis to Table
4 March, Wednesday, 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Meet at Salvador’s
Deadline: March 2
Soups, Stews, Salads and Salsas: Pasta Poblano and Pico de
Gallo
5 March, Thursday, 4 – 6 p.m. Deadline: March 3
Mexican Specialties: Shrimp Patties in Red Pipian from Distrito
Federal
10 March, Tuesday, 4 – 6 p.m. Deadline: March 7
Tianguis to Table
11 March, Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Meet at Salvador’s
Deadline: March 9
No Class 12 March
Mexican Specialties: Pan de Cazon from Campeche
17 March, Tuesday, 4 – 6 p.m. Deadline: March 14
Tianguis to Table
18 March, Wednesday, 10 am – 12:30 p.m. Meet at Salvador’s
Deadline: March 16
Soups, Stews, Salads and Salsas: Mole Poblano or Mole Verde
19 March, Thursday, 4 – 6 p.m. Deadline: March 17
Mexican Specialties: Roasted Pork in Torta Ahogada from
Jalisco
24 March, Tuesday, 4 – 6 p.m. Deadline: March 21
Tianguis to Table
25 March, Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Meet at Salvador’s
Deadline: March 23
Mexican Soups, Stews, Salads and Salsas: Pork in Pipian Sauce
with Calabaza Flowers
26 March, Thursday, 4 – 6 p.m. Deadline: March 25
Mexican Specialties: An overview of Mexico’s extensive
culinary culture
31 March, Tuesday, 4 – 6 p.m. Deadline: March 28
Join us for the marvelous March offerings with Abuelinda’s
Mexican culinary magic.
Thursday Film Aficionados
LCS Members Only Bring Your Card
All films shown in the Sala from 2-4 p.m.
No food No pets
March 5 The Imitation Game 2014 UK
An intense, brilliant portrayal of Alan Turing, the genius who
helped shorten WWII by working on the decrypting of the
German Enigma code in Bletchley Park.
March 12 Three Days of the Condor 1975 USA
A CIA agent finds all his co-workers dead. He must outwit
those responsible until he figures out whom he can trust.
Robert Redford and Faye Dunaway star in one of my all-time
favorite films.
March19 Love is Blind (Kertu) 2013 Estonia
Kertu's life is totally spoiled by her overbearing father until
she opens her heart to an unlikely dream lover.
March 26 Finding Vivian Maier 2014 USA
Now considered one of the 20th century’s great street
photographers, Vivian Maier was a mysterious nanny who
secretly took over 100,000 photos that went unseen during
her lifetime. This gripping, thought-provoking documentary
was nominated for an Academy Award.
TED Talks Learning Seminars
Tuesdays from noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Sala
March 3 Chaired by Bill Frayer, U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins,
discusses “Everyday Moments Caught in Time”. With understated wit
and profound insight, he shares several of his poems which were
turned into delightful animated films in collaboration with the
Sundance Channel.
March 10 Chaired by Ron Mullenaux. Stephen Cave’s “The Four
Stories We Tell Ourselves About Death” begins with a dark but
compelling question: when did you first realize you were going to
die? And even more interesting: Why do we humans so often resist
the inevitability of death?
March 17 Chaired by Fred Harland entitled: “The Long Reach of
Reason”. features philosopher Rebecca Newberger Goldstein and
psychologist Steven Pinker in an animated Socratic dialog. When
irrationality seems to rule both politics and culture, has reasoned
thinking finally lost its power?
March 24 Chaired by Bill Frayer, features writer David Brooks:
“The Social Animal”. Brooks’ long career in journalism has covered
business, crime and politics. He has been Op-Ed columnist for The
New York Times. Brooks offers new insights from the cognitive
sciences with implications for economics and politics.
March 31 Chaired by Reba Mayo features global population
specialist Hans Rosling: “How Not To Be Ignorant About the World”.
He demonstrates the high statistical chance of being quite wrong
about what you think you know.
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 am to 2:00 pm. Grounds open until 5:00 pm
LCS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President - Ben White (2016); Vice-President - Cate Howell (2015); Treasurer - Michael Searles (2015); Secretary - Carole Wolff (2016);
Directors: Lois Cugini (2015); Ernest Gabbard (2016); Aurora Michel Galindo (2015); Fred Harland (2015); Keith Martin (2016);
Pete Soderman (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.