AROUND TOWN

Meetings & Lectures

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Longtime San Miguel winter resident Sandy Brooks marks the birthday of Martin Luther King and Black History Month with the inspirational poetry and prose of Dr. King, Maya Angelou, and Langston Hughes at this Sunday’s Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Meeting.

Ms. Brooks has been an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of New York for 15 years, where she facilitates a poetry circle and has served in numerous leadership positions. Her first career was as a children’s librarian and high school English teacher. In retirement she teaches English to foreign students at the International Center in New York City. In 2002, she produced a documentary-drama based on the book A Bintel Brief (Yiddish for “a bundle of letters”), which detailed the lives of newly arrived immigrants in the United States. Community members participated in the production and monies raised were donated to International PEN for writers incarcerated for their beliefs.

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.


Education on the agenda at Rotary

On Tuesday, January 22, Ann C. Lewis is the guest speaker at the Midday Rotary Club. Ann has been writing on education policy in the US for more than 40 years. She lives in San Miguel full-time and is continuing her freelance career.

The Rotary Club of San Miguel de Allende-Midday meets every Tuesday at their new location, the Hotel Real de Minas (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. Visiting Rotarians and others interested in Rotary are invited to attend this meeting. For more information, please go to the website: www.rotarysma.org. 


The Rio Grande vs. The Rio Bravo lecture series

“Intervention,” “The Face behind the Mask,” “Cross Culture” and “The Bubble Effect of San Miguel de Allende” are just some of the subjects being covered in the fourth series of one-hour lectures at the Warren Hardy Spanish School (front of the San Juan de Dios church, blue door on San Antonio Abad), January 22–24 at 5:30–6:30pm, 50 pesos per lecture. For more information, call Tuli Hardy, 154-4017. Lecturer is Beldon Butterfield who came to Mexico with Time Inc. in 1962.


New lecture series at El Charco

Starting this month, we have a new TALK/WALK series entitled “Nature Up Close” consisting of nine presentations. This series will combine a slide presentation/talk with a “hands on” component—seeing a peregrine falcon on a ledge in the canyon, for example, before seeing it on the screen in the lecture hall.

The first in the series is on January 24, The Geology of El Charco. Wayne Colony, a retired geologist living in town who has been studying the grounds of El Charco for the last several years has also participated in the latest scientific research about wildlife in the area and will share his beautiful photos and knowledge. This is a popular presentation and was completely sold out last June, so reserve early at nzerriffi@yahoo.com. 

Entrance fee is 70 pesos for El Charco members, 100 pesos for nonmembers. Please arrive at the reception area of the botanical garden by 9:20am. Lecture starts at 9:30am.


First gathering of facilitators for healing

“When I arrived in San Miguel, I read the notice announcing the Gathering of Healers offered by Alicia Mayo and Larry Mills. As a psychotherapist and longtime student of alternative healing practices, I was both curious and skeptical while hopeful that the possibility of meeting others who were working in this area was available in San Miguel. The experience has been very positive for me. The group attracts skilled healers, students, and those looking for alternative approaches to their own health issues. I would encourage anyone interested in alternative medicine to attend one of the Gatherings.”

For the first Gathering of Facilitators for Healing, an “energy exchange” takes place at Noon on Thursday, January 24 at Privada de Pila Seca 5 (turn into cul-de-sac opposite Pila Seca 45.) This is the eighth year! The meeting is free and open to the public. Facilitators are invited to participate. Call 152-0376 to reserve a place on the program.


Join Shambhala to learn about Nyinthun

The Shambhala Meditation Group of San Miguel invites anyone interested in meditation to join us for Nyinthun—an in-depth practice session of sitting, walking and contemplative meditation. There is no charge (although donations are welcome) and you may enter and leave without attending the entire program. Practice materials, if needed, will be provided. A meditation instructor will be available to assist new practitioners. We will meet Sunday, February 3, 11am to 2pm, at our new location, Terraplen 34, Centro. For more information, contact John Perkins, 120-0767.






Classes & Workshops

Writing course to cover “Beginnings, Endings and Everything Between”

Award-winning author, editor and writing teacher Eva Hunter presents a six-session writing workshop entitled, “Beginnings, Endings and Everything Between” January 23–February 4, Wednesday, Monday and Friday, 9am to noon. The workshop will be held at Orizaba 38, and is for both fiction and nonfiction, beginning and intermediate writers.

According to Hunter, the biggest challenge for writers is knowing how to put the story together. If it doesn’t have a good beginning, no one will read it, but the beginning is, after all, only the beginning. A story must have a compelling ending that flows directly from the beginning, and a middle that advances the concept of the story.

Hunter’s emphasis is on teaching the craft of professional writing. The cost for the workshop is US$210 or peso equivalent. Pre-registration is required through Box 401A, La Conexion, Aldama 3. For more information, call 152-6634 or email evamhunter@gmail.com. 


Introduction to women’s self-defense

Preventing unwanted advances and de-escalating potentially dangerous situations are part of the life skills we need to live securely and comfortably. The possible need to use physical force to safely get out of threatening circumstances leads to other skills we need for security and confidence.

This introduction will give you a chance to increase your awareness of the verbal and nonverbal practices that reduce the chance of violence and learn a few simple maneuvers to keep yourself safe in case of violence. Men are welcome to attend as well. The free workshop is presented by Ken Rowland (second-degree black belt in Aikido) at the Sala Quetzal, January 25 at 5pm.


Return of popular acting class

Due to the success of the 2007 acting class taught by Jerry Phalen, the encore session for advanced students runs February 4–February 28. Classes are held Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30am-12:30pm at John Wharton’s Shelter Theater.

There is a second class being offered March 3–27 (again on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30am-12:30pm at Shelter Theater) for beginners as well as advanced students.

Material will be provided. Students need only to dress comfortably and bring note pad and pencil. Class size is limited to 10 students. Tuition is 1,000 pesos (the proceeds will benefit L’Alianza, a bicultural organization of producers, directors and performing artists that maintains a bodega of set pieces, costumes, props, wigs, makeup and a library to assist the community in producing artistic events).

To reserve a space in the March class, or to confirm your space in the February class, please contact Fran Rowe at 152-1166 (email: franrowe@prodigy.net.mx) or Jerry Phalen at 152-2117 after January 30, or email: azizi3@msn.com. 

Jerry has been a professional actor for over 25 years. He has appeared in over 60 plays and numerous playreadings in Chicago, Miami, Wisconsin and San Diego and several plays and playreadings here in San Miguel, having last appeared as Norman in The Dresser at the Angela Peralta Theater. He played George in The Mysterious Mr. Love in two seasons at the Santa Ana Theater. Jerry welcomes any and all questions before the class begins.


Free chess workshops 

Chess workshops resumed Monday, January 7. Children 8 to 12 years old meet 4–5pm in the Sala Infantil, and adults at 5–6:30pm in the central patio of the Biblioteca Pública. The Biblioteca has chess sets, but bring your own if you’re fond of it, or if it seems to be lucky. Local chess master Francisco de Santiago will provide a few minutes of tactics and tricks, and then you’ll have over an hour to practice them on your opponents.


Full moon ceremony at El Charco

When the moon is in Leo (two and a half days) we need romance, affection and recognition. The desire to be admired and appreciated can be so strong that it may result in especially dramatic behavior. Leo is ruled by the Sun, making this a time of ambition, independence and leadership. The moon in Leo is that time of enjoyment and warmth and a time to show kindness and generosity to others.

All these give us the idea how powerful this full moon is and the opportunity it is for all of us to surrender to its electrifying and luminous rays.

Come and join us at the Charco del Ingenio (Jardin Botánico) Tuesday, January 22 at 7pm. Bonfire, incense, chanting, drumming included. Bring flutes, cymbals, a drum or any other instrument. A donation of 30 pesos is requested for the Charco del Ingenio Fund for its upkeep. Any questions, call Alicia Mayo at 152-0376.

Tours & Trips

Saturday Adventurers

The Adventurers are beginning a new year, going to new places. Saturday, January 19, we are off to “NAMUH,” importers of beautiful things from Asia and all over the world. You will see teak-wood furniture, carpets, lamps, wall-hangings and many other exotic pieces to tempt you. Wondrous, colorful fabrics can be used imaginatively. Did you notice “NAMUH” is HUMAN spelled backwards? From this eastern side of San Miguel, above the Centro, we now descend into the south part of town to the studio of Eschwan Winding, a true artist’s artist, whose home reflects her talent. There is so much to discover in this artistically decorated home. Don’t be sorry that you missed this tour. Come join us this Saturday and bring that camera! This tour leaves from inside the Jardín, across from the Parroquia at 10:30am.


Audubon January birdwalk

Audubon’s December’s Birdwalk took the 19 participants to the Botanical Gardens where we saw some 41 species. Audubon’s next Birdwalk is scheduled for January 20, the third Sunday of the month. It is slated to go to the bridge at Montecillo de Nieto where, in the past, we have had great success spotting some of the region’s more elusive birds, such as Blue Grosbeaks, Black-headed Grosbeaks and Summer Tanagers, just to mention a few. January is usually one of our best-attended hikes. That being the case, transportation is key to our being able to go to this location; therefore, we ask participants with vehicles to bring them. Failing sufficient transportation, we will return instead to the Botanical Gardens as we can use taxis to get there.

The Audubon Birdwalk is a monthly event open to members and nonmembers alike. Members of Audubon de México are welcome gratis. Nonmembers are also welcome, but asked to contribute 100 pesos, or US$10 to the ecological projects in which Audubon is involved.

Participants will meet in front of the Instituto Allende at 8am, as the trip will leave promptly at 8:15am. Please bring a hat and drinking water. Binoculars and bird books make bird sightings more interesting but are not necessary since. The hike is usually over by noon. People with questions may call Bob at 154-9856.


Instituto Allende trip to nearby gems

On Saturday, January 26, at 9am, Instituto Allende leads a day-long field trip to nearby Atotonilco, Dolores Hidalgo and the city of Guanajuato. The sanctuary at Atotonilco will be visited, the very place where rebellious priest Miguel Hidalgo latched onto the likeness of the Virgin of Guadalupe and used it as a inspirational banner which became the freedom flag during the initial moments of Mexico’s fight for independence. The church also showcases murals, sculpture and baroque art from the mid-eighteenth century. Next stop, Dolores Hidalgo, a center for Talavera style ceramics, where the main square is the location where Miguel Hidalgo uttered his famous and historical cry for freedom, referred to as “El Grito.” The quest for independence began September 15, 1810. The center part of Dolores will be toured including the town’s square that offers unique flavored ice creams. 

Later, the tour heads to the capital city of Guanajuato, a charming city with great cultural traditions. Famed painter Diego Rivera’s home is on the bill along with an easy-going walking tour of other sites of interest like the Plazas de la Paz and the main Jardin. Cost for this trip is US$65.

Instituto Allende tours are all-inclusive, including transportation, museum fees, and restaurant-served meals. Native-speaking, bilingual guides lead all tours and offer further insight within a secure environment. A free preview lecture of the upcoming weekend’s field trip takes place each Wednesday at 4pm at the Instituto. Reservations are a must and fees must be paid in advance. Visa and MasterCard accepted. For more information, visit or call 152-0226. Instituto Allende, Ancha de San Antonio 20.

Films & Videos

Center for Global Justice Snowbird Series continues

Two films that tell the stories of Hispanic immigrant soldiers who enlisted in the US Army to fight in Iraq are featured in this week’s Center for Global Justice Snowbird Film Series.

Shot in San Miguel de Allende, Una Causa Noble (A Noble Cause) tells the tragic story of a young Mexican man who, based on President Bush’s offer of a fast track to citizenship, emigrates to the US to join the army. Told from the point of view of the wife, son and extended family left behind, this short film highlights the human side of migration. Ignacio and Marina, a young Mexican couple, are at odds over what is best for their young son's future. When Ignacio decides to join the US Army in order to expedite their application for citizenship, Marina is faced with some heartrending decisions. This is a feature-length story packed into a riveting 26 minutes.

The Short Life of José Antonio Gutierrez follows the journey of the first US soldier killed in the invasion of Iraq. Born in Guatemala, Gutierrez eventually made his way to the US to become a “green card soldier,” promised a fast track to citizenship by enlisting in the military. Mournful and engrossing, the film traces Gutierrez’ life through the people he knew and the places he lived. He dreamed of becoming an architect, enlisting in the Marines to support his education. After his death, his hard-luck story was given a typically uplifting spin on the nightly news, and faulty record-keeping resulted in an erroneous birth date on his gravestone that has yet to be corrected. The ultimate irony is that the first US casualty in Iraq was an illegal immigrant fighting a foreigner’s war with hopes for a better future.

Una Causa Noble (26 minutes) will be screened at 3pm on Monday, January 21, and The Short Life of José Antonio Gutierrez (90 minutes) at 3pm on Thursday, January 24 at Teatro Santa Ana. Admission is 50 pesos, and a discussion follows each.


Bioneers Winter Film Series

The Bioneers Winter Film Series will start Tuesday, January 22 and run through the end of March (except February 5, when the Biblioteca is closed for the holiday). The Bioneers films feature speakers from diverse fields and backgrounds, each “cutting edge” in their individual fields of expertise. Thus the Bioneers Conference represents the sustainability that is close at hand. The nuts and bolts of how we can live sustainably is 90 percent created...but the knowledge that it is available is not widely known. Knowledge is hope, and that’s what the Bioneers speakers provide. The first films of the series are “green” films.

In the first film on January 22, Bill Moyers asks: Is God Green? This is an eye-opening film to those of us with stereotypes about the “Born Agains.” Moyers interviews several pastors of Evangelical churches who have been “born again” into the warm embrace of global warming, steering their flocks away from the fundamental precept of “Dominion over the Earth” to another Biblical passage of “Stewardship over the Earth.”

In the second film, the same question of “Is God Green?” is asked in a different way. Starting with the building blocks of Nature...i.e., molecules, Yale professor, Dr. Paul Anastas, explains a “green molecular process” versus a toxic process.

Dr. Anastas is Director of Yale’s Forestry and Environmental Program as well as co-author of the seminal book, Green Chemistry. In his presentation, Anastas explains how green chemistry can change the very building blocks of the materials and processes that we use to make “stuff.” 

The series starts with these two films, showing from 3–4pm at Teatro Santa Ana. Cost is 50 pesos. A conversation follows in the Café Santa Ana.