AROUND TOWN

Meetings & Lectures

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Environmental activist, former Vermont State Senator and current San Miguel resident, Ben-Zion Ptashnik discusses the state of renewable energy in Mexico at this Sunday’s Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Meeting.

Senator Ptashnik’s presentation includes various environmental topics focused on International and Mexican policies relating to global warming and renewable energies. A slide show includes NASA satellite photos of the Earth and the latest scientific research on climate change.

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.

Midday Rotary Club

On Tuesday February 26 we are proud to have Samantha Radovich, a 2008 Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, as our guest speaker.

The world’s largest privately funded international scholarship program, the Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship program’s purpose is to further understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries.

Samantha received her master’s degree at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in the field of educational linguistics. She is currently living in Guanajuato, working with the Rotary Clubs in the region on behalf of Monterey Bay Sunrise Rotary Club.

The Rotary Club of San Miguel de Allende-Midday meets every Tuesday at their new location, the Hotel Real de Minas at the intersection of Calle Ancha de San Antonio and Calle Sterling Dickinson. Check-in time is 12–12:25pm and the meeting starts promptly at 12:30pm. For more information, please go to the website: www.rotarysma.org. 

Book lecture

On February 27 at 10:30am in the Sala Quetzal, Biblioteca Pública, all are invited to attend Gregory Diamant’s review of Peter Linebaugh’s book, London Hanged: Crime and Civil Society in the Eighteenth Century. In his fascinating social history, Peter Linebaugh mines the rich London culture of pamphlets, ballads, philosophical works, criminal biographies and drawings to show us how changing property relations and the struggles that accompanied them gave birth to a new society. How did both punishment and crime change during this time of ferment and what does this have to say to us today as we debate capital punishment? How was the death penalty (hanging) used as a vehicle to renew the “social contract,” and as a means of uniting various parts of the government?

There are many important questions concerning crime in 18th century London that resonate to this day.

Sociedad Audubon de Mexico A.C. annual meeting

The annual membership meeting for the election of officers and board members of Sociedad Audubon de Mexico A.C. takes place on Wednesday, March 5, at 4pm at the Villa Jacaranda. All members in good standing are eligible to vote.

Classes & Workshops

Chess workshops

Free chess workshops meet Mondays—children 8 to 12 years old at 4–5pm in the Sala Infantil, and adults at 5–6:30pm in the central patio of the Biblioteca Pública. The Biblioteca has good chess sets, but bring your own if it’s lucky for you. Last week, 14 players moved briskly to complete about 20 games, though one tense encounter had to be declared a draw right at closing time. Some players meet in the patio informally around 5pm on other days of the week.

A dozen players gather at Mama Mia, Umaran 8, on Wednesdays, 5–7pm. With the warmer weather, assistant manager Martín has opened the rooftop terraces so we can play chess like aristocratic nineteenth-century grandmasters. The restaurant has tournament-class sets, long inlaid tables, attentive waiters and spectacular views of churches and mountains. Possibly no other chess club in Mexico plays in a more palatial setting or pauses to watch sunsets. 

Intermediate and Advanced Writers’ Beach Retreat

A few select spots remain open for Beverly Donofrio’s Intermediate and Advanced Memoir and Fiction Writing Beach Retreat, April 7–11. This intensive workshop is a great chance for seasoned writers to concentrate on a project in a creative atmosphere and to receive constructive feedback.

The getaway is set at the secluded Bahia de la Luna beach in a cove of white sand and turquoise water on the southern Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Students receive guidance from Beverly Donofrio on structure, voice, and scene building. During the day, students have time to advance on their works-in-progress, and each evening they share their day’s work in a workshop environment.

The all-inclusive workshop, with six nights’ accommodations and all meals, is US $1,650. Airfare is not included. A deposit of $800 is required to reserve space. Before registering, students must submit a writing sample (an MS Word or Adobe pdf document of up to 10 single-sided, double-spaced typewritten pages along with a nonrefundable US$25 reading fee.) The package provides each participant with his/her own beachfront, “rustic-chic” bungalow. In this eco-friendly environment, all meals are prepared with fresh, local foods. Along with the exquisite oceanside setting, a complimentary spa treatment and round trip airport shuttle service is included.

Beverly Donofrio is the author of two memoirs, the bestselling Riding in Cars with Boys and Looking for Mary. Her first picture book for children, Mary and the Mouse, the Mouse and Mary, was just released and her young adult novel, Thank You, Lucky Stars appeared in book stores in January 2008. Beverly has been a contributor to National Public Radio’s All Things Considered; her essays have appeared in national newspapers and magazines as well as numerous anthologies.

For more information on the Intermediate and Advanced Writers’ Beach Retreat, go to www.sanmiguelworkshops.com. 

Zen Buddhist priest offers the Four Immeasurables

The four immeasurables are universal love, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity. They have been practiced since the times before the historical Buddha. Their practice teaches us to bring more joy and harmony to our lives in the real world. The day will include an orientation to Zen meditation, a talk, and periods of sitting and walking meditation. It is geared to beginners as well as experienced practitioners. All activities will be conducted bilingually in English and Spanish.

Rick Spencer lives in Puerto Vallarta where he guides the Puerto Vallarta Zen Meditation Group (www.pvzen.org).

Please join us in this program held at the Meditation Center, Callejon Blanco 4, Sunday, February 24, from 10:30am to 2pm. The suggested donation is 150 pesos. For more information call 044-415-151-0246 or mango0982@yahoo.com. 

Fifth Gathering of Facilitators for Healing

The next Gathering of Facilitators for Healing, an “energy exchange,” takes place at 12pm on Thursday, February 28 at Privada de Pila Seca 5 (turn into cul de sac opposite Pila Seca 45.) The meeting is free and open to the public. Facilitators are invited to participate. For more information call 152-0376.

Trips & Tours

Botanical Garden Tour

Every Tuesday morning, discover the marvels of cacti and other Mexican plants and learn about the history of El Charco del Ingenio (garden and nature reserve) with Martin Smith, curator of the collection. 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 lasting about two hours. Bring a hat and water. Space is limited, so reserve by calling 154-8838 or email charcodelingenio@gmail.com. 

International Lions Club

The International Lions Club sponsors another trip to Uruapan for the artisans market during Holy week. The group leaves on a first class bus Tuesday, March 18 for two nights and three days. On the way, the bus stops in Morelia for lunch, and then goes to Tzintzuntzan, the straw market, and the reed factory.

On Thursday the group leaves for Patzcuaro, stopping in Santa Clara, the copper town, allowing time for shopping and lunch before leaving for San Miguel.

The cost of the trip, including hotel, bus, breakfasts and all tips, is1850 pesos each, double occupancy, and 2290 pesos single occupancy. Part of the cost goes to support a clinic that dispenses glasses to the needy and gives diabetes testing on Thursday mornings at 63 Correo. For information and reservations, please call Jean Schickel at 152-0934 by March 5.

Audubon hike

Start your March off right—join Audubon Mexico on a beautiful four-hour hike to Boca de Cañada.

Boca de Cañada is a glorious piece of nearby nature, reached by car from San Miguel in half an hour. Reservations are essential. Participants—limited to 15—meet at the Kike’s/Gym parking lot on Stirling Dickinson at 9am on Saturday, March 1. Bring a light lunch as well as a hat and water. The hike is two hours each way. To reserve a place, call Al Lerner at 152-8139, up to three days before the hike.

The hike is free to Audubon members; 100 pesos to non-members. If you join that morning, though (for 300 pesos), your participation will be free.

Instituto Allende trip

March 1 and 4, at 9am, Instituto Allende Tours hosts a day-long trip to Querétaro. With the expansion of national tourism, Querétaro has become an important Mexican tourist destination.

Querétaro’s popular outdoor market is on the itinerary, as is a walking tour through the typical colonial streets to see the gardens, churches, fountains and the house of La Marquesa. Lastly, they visit to the Hill of the Bells where stands the Benito Juárez Monument along with the Chapel of Archduke Maximilano. A preview of tours in the form of free lectures takes place each Wednesday at 4pm at Instituto Allende.

Instituto Allende tours are all-inclusive, including transportation, museum fees, and a restaurant meal. Native-speaking, bilingual guides lead all tours and offer further insight within a secure environment. The cost is US $65. Reservations are required and fees must be paid in advance. Visa and MasterCard accepted. For more information, visit or call 152-0226.

Trip to Cruz del Palmar

In Cruz del Palmar and other communities visited by the Center for Global Justice this winter, we have learned there is less work up north for Mexicans that in the past. With the collapse of the housing market, new home construction has plummeted, so there are fewer jobs available. Maybe this bad news is also good news, heralding the return of many emigrants. The Center for Global Justice is organizing a trip to Cruz del Palmar, Saturday, March 1. The trip leaves from Calzada de la Luz 42 at 9am and costs 300 pesos.

The Center for Global Justice provides school scholarships and programs to help local farmers and small businesses. Call 150-0025 to reserve, or come by the office to buy a ticket. The fee includes transportation, comida, translation and guides.

Film & videos 

Shalom San Miguel film presentation

Eight months ago Betty and Arthur Salz were standing on a single dirt road in a tiny village in Ukraine. The town was Maydan, where Betty’s father was born over 100 years ago. This presentation tells the story of their attempt to rediscover her family roots against the backdrop of the history of the period in what was then known as Eastern Galicia.

Betty and Arthur Salz reside in New York City, where Arthur is Professor of Education at Queens College. Betty taught blind children in NYC for 33 years before retiring.

The film, In History’s Footsteps, a family’s roots and legacy, shows on Monday February 25 at 5pm in Hotel Quinta Loreto’s TV Salon. All are invited afterwards for refreshments and questions and answers. A donation of 50 pesos is appreciated.

Bioneers films

On Tuesday, February 26, the Bioneers films showcase indigenous activists, Winona LaDuke, and Evon Peter. Preceeding the feature is a short film that gives an overview of the annual “gathering of the tribe;” 3,000 people strong, the annual Bioneers Conference gives breadth and depth to both the hope and practicality that demonstrate how we can move towards a sustainable future.

Winona LaDuke, two-time Green Party US vice-presidential candidate, mother of five, and program director of Honor the Earth, is the founding director of the White Earth Land Recovery Project. She is the recipient of many prestigious awards and is the author of five books.

The second film features the young and dynamic Native American activist, Evon Peter. Peter is from the Neetsaii Gwich’in people of northeastern Alaska and is on the executive board of the Alaska Inter-Tribal Council. He has worked with the United Nations and Artic Council forums for both indigenous rights and a balanced world.

The films will be shown from 3–4:15pm at the Teatro Santa Ana in the Biblioteca Pública. The cost is 50 pesos. The films are followed by an optional conversation in the cafe.

Snowbird film series

This week’s Center for Global Justice film, Maquilapolis, tells the story of a border city where it takes an hour of drudgework inside a poisonous factory to earn enough to buy a jug of potable water. Called maquiladoras, these under-taxed and under-regulated factories operated by multinational corporations pollute residential neighborhoods with seeming impunity.

This powerful and unique film brought American and Mexican-American filmmakers together with Tijuana factory workers and community organizers to tell the story of globalization through the eyes and voices of the workers themselves. The result is not only an informative and disturbing film, but also an evocative and poetic one. The film has running time of 68 minutes and is shown at 3pm on Thursday, February 28 at Teatro Santa Ana in the Biblioteca Pública. Admission is 50 pesos.

Zen Video Series

The fourth presentation in our series is a documentary, Wake Up! On the road with a Zen Master, the first film about Korean Zen Master Seung Sahn, who began teaching in the US in 1972. The video candidly shows the Zen Master on a teaching tour of Europe with three of his American monks, waking students to their true nature, meeting all kinds of people, sightseeing and occasionally reminiscing about his life.

Seating is limited; early arrival is recommended. A 20-peso contribution is requested.

The video shows on Thursday, February 28 at 5:30pm, at the Meditation Center, Callejon Blanco 4, off Quebrada.