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Around Town, Dec 15, 2006
Meetings & Lectures
Democratic development in Albania
Jennifer Butz discusses her five years in Albania, where she headed up several projects related to democratic development, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on Sunday, December 17. She will share her thoughts, insights, and photographs about “Europe’s last secret,” a country that most people only know through Wag the Dog, an episode of the Simpsons, or tales of Enver Hoxha.
Ms. Butz has spent the better part of her life traveling, working and living in countries across the globe (last count was 55, not including non-countries). China’s Democracy Spring and the fall of the Berlin Wall were catalytic events in her life. Since 1989, she has worked extensively with citizens’ groups, communities, government officials, media and political parties to build and strengthen democratic practices in former Communist countries. Since her arrival in San Miguel, Jennifer and her parents have bought the Bagel Café, where she can be found in a new community role.
The UU Fellowship meets every Sunday at 10:30am at La Posada de la Aldea, Ancha de San Antonio 15. Visitors are invited to attend the service and then join the UUs in the hotel restaurant for brunch. For more information, visit portalsanmiguel.com/lifestyle/unitarians/unitarians.html.
Biblioteca public meeting
The last public meeting for the year of Biblioteca Pública’s board of directors will take place Thursday, December 28, at 11am in the library’s Sala Quetzal.
Jesus and the Buddha … bearers of truth
How do Christianity and Buddhism look at the deepest questions of religion and spirituality today? Join us at the Meditation Center for a series of three conversations between the Rev. Dr. Harold Weicker, a retired Episcopalian priest of 41 years, and Frank Simons, a longtime Buddhist student and practitioner. Examples of the questions we will be addressing are: What are our different views of God? What is our life’s purpose? How do we approach living responsibly on the planet? What is right living? What is the importance of the teachings and communities of faith in each religion? Why is a Buddhist/Christian dialog important? How can Christians and Buddhists help each other?
These and other questions will be addressed in the form of a conversation, not a debate. Weicker and Simons both believe that each of these two great world religions enjoy truths that complement and enhance one another. The third conversation in this series will be at 5:30pm on Tuesday, December 19, at the Meditation Center at Callejón Blanco 4. There is no charge.
For more information, call Simons at 152-0536 or Weicker at 152-6249.
Classes & Workshops
Sazón cooking class schedule
Learn about the customs of the traditional Mexican Christmas Posada and the fusion of Spanish and indigenous cultures and cuisines with chef Gonzalo Martínez. The Traditional Mexican Posada class and tasting is at Friday, December 15, 5 to 7:30pm. Fee is US$65.
Enjoy a culinary adventure to San Miguel’s colorful mercado with this market tour and class, 10:30am to 12:30pm, Tuesday, December 19. Back in the Sazón kitchen, learn techniques of roasting and preparing chiles and how to create perfect salsas. Fee is US$45.
On Wednesday, December 20, from 11am to 1:30pm chef Gonzalo Martínez demonstrates how to create a dazzling holiday menu, including appetizers, entrée and desserts guaranteed to bring raves. Fee is US$65.
Cooking with Cazuelas is held Thursday, December 21, 10am to noon. These authentic Mexican cooking vessels might look great on a shelf, but with a little know-how they’ll become your favorite cooking pot. Paco will show you how to season and use a cazuela to create a traditional Mexican menu. Fee is US$55.
Out of town guests arriving and you want to wow them? Treat your guests to this delicious class and spend time together learning to prepare the classics: Chiles Rellenos, Salsas, Mexican Style Rice and Sopapillas. Friday, December 22, a class and tasting featuring traditional Mexican fare takes place from 11am to 1pm. Fee is US$55.
On Saturday, December 23, and Tuesday, December 26, the mercado tour and salsa preparation class will be repeated. Fee is US$45.
For more information, see the Sazón website at www.sazonsanmiguel.com
Tours & Excursions
Instituto Allende begins wintertime field trip season
On Wednesday, December 20, at 9am, Instituto Allende begins its wintertime tour season by hosting a day-long field trip to nearby Atotonilco, Dolores Hidalgo and the city of Guanajuato.
The sanctuary at Atotonilco is famous for its unusual murals, the Señor de la Columna—a statue of Christ that holds a special place during San Miguel’s Easter celebrations, and the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe, which was taken from the church by Padre Hidalgo to lead the people in the march for independence.
The next stop is Dolores Hidalgo, a center for talavera ceramics. On Dolores’ main square, Miguel Hidalgo uttered his famous “¡Viva Mexico!,” the historical cry for freedom referred to as “El Grito.” The main square also offers ice creams with unique and unusual flavors, such as avocado, shrimp and tequila, along with other more traditional types.
Later, the tour heads to the capital city of Guanajuato, a charming city with a great cultural tradition and home of the University of Guanajuato. Famed painter Diego Rivera’s home is on the tour, along with an easy walking tour of other sites of interest such as the Plaza de la Paz and the main square.
Other points of interest include the university and the stately governmental buildings in Centro, along with a number of museums.
The cost for the all-inclusive trips is US$55, which includes transportation, museum fees and a restaurant meal. All tours are led by bilingual guides within a secure environment. Reservations are required, and fees must be paid in advance. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. For more information, visit Instituto Allende at Ancha de San Antonio 20 or call 152-0226.
Botanical garden tour
Every Tuesday morning discover the marvels of cacti and other Mexican plants as well as the history of El Charco with Martin Smith, curator of plants. An additional privilege of this visit is the opportunity to see the plants in the nursery that is not ordinarily open to the public. Many rare species and plants threatened with extinction are protected and propagated at El Charco.
Entrance fee is 30 pesos (waived for members) and the tour is 50 pesos. All proceeds benefit the garden. The tour is in English and starts at the main entrance at 9am and lasts about 2 hours. Bring a hat and water. Space is limited, so reserve by calling Martin at 154-8838 or 154-4715 or email
charco@unisono.net.mx
Performances & Events
Starting Here, Starting Now has now started
The hit show Starting Here, Starting Now is now in full swing at El Ring Disco, Hidalgo 27, and continues through Thursday, December 21, at 7:30pm, with a special December 17 matinee at 5:30pm.
Judy Marzulli, Michael Sudheer and Peggy Powell star in this dazzling musical revue. The show, directed by Michael Whaley, is a tuneful, satiric, joyous celebration of the many aspects of love, stunningly staged in a cabaret setting.
Seating is limited. Tickets, 150 pesos, are on sale at El Ring (10am–4pm each day) or at Casa de Papel at Mesones and Reloj. Doors open at 6:30pm for those wishing to enjoy a cocktail before the show.
Christmas garage sale & sweater drive at the Biblioteca Pública
Don’t forget the Biblioteca’s Christmas sale— including art, appliances, jewelry, decorations, and other treasures—on Saturday, December 16, from 10am to 1pm in the library patio.
Also remember the season’s cold weather hits the rural families harder than most. A donation of a sweater, jacket or blanket can make this Christmas warmer for a sanmiguelense. To make a donation look for Irineo, head of Biblioteca security, at the main entrance.
Social Club Christmas party
The Social Club, which welcomes everyone, has been in existence for 30 years. It is similar to a newcomers club, except no one seems to leave. Meetings are held twice a month, one in a restaurant, and one in a member’s home. At the home meetings people are requested to bring beverages or finger food for 6.
The Social Club invites newcomers to its annual Christmas party, December 19, hosted by Jean Schickel. Guests are requested to bring an unwrapped toy valued at at least US$5, to be distributed to a school in the campo. At this time, there will be information about New Year’s Eve, a potluck dinner party. All the leftovers are taken to a local orphanage, so people are requested to bring lots of food. Also, during the month, the group is collecting money so that they can give socks and mittens to the needy elderly people who meet Wednesdays behind the Parroquia. For more information, or to contribute to the projects, call Sy Stern at 152-6536.
Instituto Allende announcesits wintertime fair schedule
The original Instituto Allende arts and crafts fairs continue, taking take place during three weekends this coming winter season. Official Instituto fairs will take place Saturday and Sunday on January 13–14, February 3–4 and March 3–4. Vendors should note that other individuals and organizations not affilliated with Instituto Allende also put on fairs at the Instituto over the course of the year.
Vendors can sign up immediately, in person, at the Instituto’s office, Ancha de San Antonio 20. Cost for vendors’ tables in the main patio is 550 pesos for the entire weekend. Tables on the back patio near L’Invito restaurant cost 450 pesos.
Instituto Allende has room for local food vendors with a desire to expand the selection of food available to those attending. There will be day-long live entertainment both days. These fairs are produced by Lou Christine, director of promotions at the Instituto, and Gabriela Zavala, office manager. For further information, contact Gabriela at Instituto Allende, 152-0226.
Volunteer Opportunities
At La Tienda
Do you enjoy working with people? Do you have a background or interest in retail sales? If so, La Tienda Gift Shop is the place for you.
Perform cashier duties and assist customers in our attractive library gift shop, La Tienda, located in the main patio at the Biblioteca Pública. We offer a 10% discount to gift shop volunteers. Orientation to the library and training in the gift shop will be provided. This is a great opportunity if you enjoy meeting new people, helping others and gaining valuable community and retail experience.
We need friendly volunteers to assist with displaying and selling merchandise in our fund-raising gift shop. Patrons include international visitors as well as local residents.
These are sales and customer service positions in a small gift shop that specializes in Mexican crafts, jewelry, books and other gift items. Volunteers may work in the shop and also assist in vending at special events, good opportunities for people who are results-oriented, flexible and dedicated. We’re looking for people who are self-motivated and team-oriented, good communicators and good listeners, honest and innovative. Applicants should have good skills with the public and be able to handle sales, make change and keep up with paperwork related to sales.
If you are looking for volunteer work in which you can truly make a difference in people’s lives, consider La Tienda.
We need volunteers who are free at these times: Fridays and Saturdays 10am to 2pm and Fridays 3pm to 6pm. Contact store manager Stephanie Hough at 152-0293 or email shough@bibliotecasma.com.
Biblioteca Holiday hours
The Biblioteca will be closed Dec. 25, 2006, and January 1, 2007.
The Biblioteca will be open from 10am to 2pm from December 22 to December 30.
The Atención office will be closed the following days: December 25 and 26 and January 1 and 2.
Atención Holiday Deadlines
For the issue December 29, 2006
Deadline is TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19 before 2pm, for ALL material: advertising, editorial and event submissions.
For the issue January 5, 2007
Deadline is WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27 before 2pm, for ALL material: advertising, editorial and event submissions.
The Atención office will be CLOSED the following days: December 25 and 26 and January 1 and 2.
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