AROUND TOWN

Meetings & Lectures

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Retired Vermont State Senator Ben Ptashnik discusses the public policy controversy surrounding Global Warming and the emerging battle for change in the US and throughout the globe at this week’s Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Service.

The US Congress is debating energy policy, and global warming as public policy has finally hit the big Washington stage. With Democrats in charge, Congress is finally seriously considering renewable and alternative energy sources such as solar, wind and biomass fuels (Ethanol). Also on the table are fuel standards for autos, and minimum renewable energy resource portfolios for electric utilities. Behind the energy issues is a heated debate between environmentalists and conservatives regarding the impact and scope of global warming, and its affects on the economy and ecology.

Ptashnik, now a full-time San Miguel resident, was deeply involved in energy policy and electric utility regulation as a State Senator, working extensively on renewable energy and conservation issues. Currently, he is working through EarthRight Institute, a non-profit environmental organization he founded in 1990, to change public policy and government acceptance of solar energy in Mexico. 

The UU Fellowship meets every Sunday at 10:30am at La Posada de la Aldea, Ancha de San Antonio 15 and welcomes people of all ages, races, religions, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Visitors are invited to attend the service and then join the UUs in the hotel restaurant for brunch.

Rotary welcomes Dr. Joel Brende

On Tuesday, August 28, our guest speaker is Rotarian Dr. Joel Brende, who is talking about the unexpected rewards of having the opportunity to visit other Rotary Clubs worldwide and also demonstrates how to use the Rotary E-Club One website.

This Rotary E-Club was chartered January 2001 as Rotary’s first club with its operations to be heavily supported by electronic communications, phone and the Internet. The mission of this Club is to connect, inform, and inspire members and guests who are traveling to utilize their opportunities to connect with the fellowship of Rotarians worldwide.

E-Club One creates “programs” or articles and a makeup feature that currently attracts Rotarians from around the globe. New programs are added often and old ones archived so the selection is practically endless.

Dr.Joel Brende, a psychiatrist, splits his time between San Miguel de Allende and Kansas City. Although he considers himself only semi-retired, he actually retired from his full time position in academic psychiatry at Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia two years ago.

Dr. Brende spent 18 years in the VA system until 1987 during which time he provided therapy for veterans, did research on post-traumatic psycho-physiology, wrote extensively about post-traumatic stress disorder and co-authored the book, Vietnam Veterans, The Road To Recovery (1985). He also was featured on ABC’s 20/20 in 1983 because he had treated and video taped a patient with multiple personalities during the previous 8 years.

The Rotary Club of San Miguel de Allende-Midday meets every Tuesday at the Villa Jacaranda Hotel, Aldama 53, and Centro. Check-in time is 12:00–12:25 and the meeting starts promptly at 12:30. Visiting Rotarians and others interested in Rotary are invited to attend this meeting. Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Lunch follows at 1:30pm in the hotel dining room. For more information, please go to the website: www.rotarysma.org.  

Classes & Workshops

Mastering energy for health and healing

The summer is almost over and for many people that means a return to the stress of work and school. If you are looking for a way to prolong your summer bliss well into the fall, 

Ron NaVarre, an energetic healer, martial artist and founder of Stress Defenseâ Inc. teaches a series of workshops in San Miguel Allende from August 25 to August 31. 

August 25–26, from 11am to 2 pm, Ron teaches a Yoga workshop entitled Clearing the Emotional Body. “This is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in the role emotion plays in physical health, physical limitations and Yoga practice”, he says. “Feelings are a form of energy that can create physical tension when held too tightly in the body.”

The Open-Heart Yoga developed by NaVarre, is a safe way to gently cleanse the body of excess emotional energy through breath, movement and sound. States NaVarre, “It is like an internal massage that leaves one feeling calm, clear and energized”. The two-day session is open to all levels.

August 27–29th from 11am-2pm discover the power of Tai Chi. This ancient Chinese art form often described as a “moving meditation” is characterized by its slow gentle movement emphasizing fluidity, grace and harmony. NaVarre, who has been practicing Tai Chi for over twenty years says, “Tai Chi is actually a martial art that has evolved into a health practice.” According to NaVarre, “As a martial art, Tai Chi is the most sophisticated and takes the longest to master. As a health practice, it has numerous benefits that have been documented in medical studies worldwide. The essence of Tai Chi is fluidity of mind, body and energy, by breathing and moving fluidly, physical tension, anxiety and stress seem to dissolve. In addition, Tai Chi teaches us how to ground, center and balance our energies for healing or self-defense”.

The final workshop in the series fill be offered on August 30 & 31 and is entitled Connecting to Heaven and Earth/Cultivating Energy for Health and Longevity with Qi Qong. Qi Qong (pronounced Chee Gong) means “energy practice” or “breath-work” and is regarded as a medical practice in China. Qi Qong combines breathing, movement and standing meditation to cultivate inner strength and longevity. Qi Qong masters have been known to live well into the hundreds and even casual students of the practice espouse the benefits of greater physical energy and emotional balance. He adds “Qi Qong is simple and easy to learn and can be practiced anywhere and requires very little space.”

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to study with gifted healer/teacher, Ron NaVarre. Workshop fees range from 550 pesos for a one-day session, to 2500 pesos for the whole week. Space is limited and all levels are welcome, regardless of age or experience. Registration is required and open to all.

For more information and to register contact: Leslie at 154-5203 or in person at Mitu Atelier, Pila Seca 3 (from 11am–5pm). For more information on Ron NaVarre and Stress Defense log on to www.stressdefense.com. 

Tours & Excursions

Botanical Garden Tour

Every Tuesday morning discover the marvels of cacti and other Mexican plants as well as the history of El Charco with Mario Mendoza, Vice-Director of the garden. The tour includes a visit to the nursery which contains many rare species and is not usually open to the public. 

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 9:00am and lasts about 2 hours. Bring a hat and water. Space is limited, so reserve by calling 154-8838 or email charcodelingenio@gmail.com.

In addition, Richard Cretcher, author of the book, Flores Silvestres, a pocket guide to the wildflowers of San Miguel, will be offering walks in the botanical garden and Parque Landeta using this book to identify the multitude of gorgeous flowers blooming at this time of year. The dates are September 5 and 19. They start at 9:30am and last about 2 hours. Cost is 70 pesos for members and 100 for non-members of El Charco. All proceeds will go to the botanical garden.

This is a popular event so please reserve a space by emailing nzerriffi@yahoo.com  specifying the day you would like to attend.

Saturday Adventurers

This weekend, we head to the mushroom farm located just outside of town. From the mushroom’s lowly birth in sterilized compost, to the most elegant dining table, we can see the machine where the mushroom sperm, attached to a grain of wheat, is seeded into the compost, then watch as the machine disgorges a huge square of seeded compost onto a square of plastic, which is then wrapped and sealed by a crew of workers. These large packets are then taken to the growing rooms, where they are put on beds of wire. In this humidity and heat controlled room, the mushrooms begin sprouting, the plastic is slit open, and in only a few days the first crop is ready for picking. Then with a bit of luck we are invited to sample the various flavors of the canned mushrooms. Those in the teriyaki sauce are the favorites. This tour leaves the Jardin, across from the Parroquia, at 10:30am

Performances & Events


Dinner to benefit Centro de Crecimiento at “La Carpa”

Mrs. Stella Horse of Terapyst and her Italian chef husband Mr. Ettorino Apollonio are inviting all to join them on August 28 at 7pm for a candlelight dinner-dance on the grounds of Ristorante Fellini “La Carpa,” in front of Fábrica la Aurora.

The dinner benefits the Centro de Crecimiento, a school for the disabled children living in San Miguel. The dinner consists of a fresh seafood selection, or meat upon request at time of reservation. The entire dinner is prepared exclusively with organic products, and accompanied by home-grown organic prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine. Dinner includes plenty of dancing, as well.

The evening also includes a special wine-reserve sale for the benefit of the Crecimiento, as well as an auction of the original painting by Mr. Juan Ezqurdia which served as the image for the Label of this special reserve.

There are only 99 bottles, which we created exclusively for this important event. Tickets to the event are 800 pesos.

Films & Videos

Center for Global Justice shows The US vs. John Lennon

The final entry of the Center for Global Justice Summer Film Series is The U.S. vs. John Lennon, a provocative documentary that examines the musician’s growing involvement in antiwar efforts and the US government’s attempts to silence him. It traces Lennon’s metamorphosis from a lovable moptop of The Beatles in the 60s, to anti-war activist to inspirational icon in the 70s.

Much of the film is centered on the government’s bizarre, elongated attempts to deport Lennon between 1972 and 1976. Upset with Lennon’s political agitation against the Vietnam War, the government treated him as if he were Lenin, not Lennon. Richard Nixon had the FBI track his every move, and Lennon believed the government wire-tapped him illegally.

While Lennon advocated peace, love, and the formation of Nutopia, the Nixon Government loudly campaigned for war. The government’s strident attempts to deport him failed and the evidence, as revealed by immigration attorney Leon Wildes is damning. There is much to inform, shock, amuse and entertain in this persuasive film that reminds and connects us with a peaceful revolutionary whose songs and message will live forever. The soundtrack includes the likes of “Imagine” and “Give Peace a Chance,” buttressing the lyrics with footage of Lennon explaining what went into his writing.

The U.S. vs. John Lennon has a running time of 99 minutes, showing at 3pm on Thursday, August 30, at the Santa Ana Theater, 50 pesos.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering at the Biblioteca

If you would like to volunteer to assist in any of the following departments, please see Elia in the Sala Infantil, Monday-Friday, 4–5pm, or send an email to volunteers@bibliotecasma.com and Judy Boston will get back to you. The departments with the most need are La Tienda, the English Book Committee (which needs shelf readers at the moment), English classes and conversation with students, the computer room, the Sala Infantil with literacy programs and painting, administration, the Café, the Sunday House and Garden Tour and Atencíon. A minimum commitment of three months is requested for most of these positions.

See you in the funny papers

Mark Saunders, creator of Atención’s “Más o Menos” cartoon, invites suggestions from readers for funny material about living in San Miguel that would lend itself to a cartoon. Selected ideas will be drawn by the cartoonist, and authors will be given credit as well as a signed copy of their cartoon. Please send your “expat” cartoon ideas to edit@atencionsanmiguel.org.