AROUND TOWN

Last year’s graduating class from St. Paul’s Centro Infantil.

Meetings & Lectures

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

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

The Rotary Club of San Miguel de Allende-Midday meets Tuesdays at Hotel Real de Minas, intersection of calles Ancha de San Antonio and Stirling Dickinson. Check-in time is 12–12:15pm and the meeting starts promptly at 12:30. Visit www.rotarysma.org  for more information.

Lecture/Demo—Synthesizer

Award-winning recording artist, composer, producer/performer Ken Bichel will give an informal lecture and demonstration of the Electronic Music Synthesizer on Thursday, July 9, 5pm at St. Paul’s Church, Cardo 6 (50-peso donation at the door). Bichel worked with Robert Moog, the inventor of the synthesizer, and was a founding member of The First Moog Quartet, the first professional live-performance group to use these machines in concert. Bichel went on to become an artist design consultant for subsequent manufacturers, and worked hand in glove on the development of the first 8-voice polyphonic instrument. Bichel will trace the history and development of the Synthesizer using demonstrations of the earliest sonic capabilities through the most contemporary technological developments. Interspersed throughout will be anecdotes (some quite humorous) from Bichel’s personal experiences along the way. 

Lions Club International

The Lions Club next meets Thursday, July 18, at Don Quijote restaurant, Prolongación de Pila Seca 55. Check in time is 12:30pm and the meeting begins at 1pm. You may order lunch from the special menu and parking is ample. For additional information, contact Norma Robinson at 120-0726.

Tours & Excursions

Saturday Adventure Tours

These tours benefit the Centro de Crecimiento school for disabled children and leave the Jardín, across from the Parroquia, at 10:30am.

Botanical Garden Tour 

A guided tour in English of El Charco del Ingenio each Tuesday and Thursday, 10am–12:30pm, is a fun and informative activity for people of all ages. Entry is 30 pesos (waived for members) and the tour is 50 pesos. Wear a hat and closed shoes. A shuttle is available now from the corner of Juárez and San Francisco, leaving at 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm. Return trips are available, 11am–5pm. The cost is 20 pesos per person per trip. Reservations are not necessary. Information: www.elcharco.org  or email nzerriffi@yahoo.com. 



Performances & Events

Democrats Abroad 4th of July Party

The San Miguel Democrats Abroad 4th of July Party has become a tradition in San Miguel for the American community. This year’s menu features hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, coleslaw, carrot cake and brownies. Tickets also include music and unique raffles. A cash bar will be available.

The fourth annual party will be held in the gardens of the Hotel Real de Minas on Saturday, July 4, 1–5pm. Tickets at US$15 or 200 pesos are available from Border Crossings, La Conexión (Aldama location only) and Solutions.

Children’s Day at St. Paul’s

Sunday, July 5, is Children’s Day at St. Paul’s Church. It marks the inauguration of the new Sunday School program under the direction of artist and educator Rebecca Peterson. Children between the ages of 4 and 14 gather in the Parish Hall at 10am for art, music and story-telling activities, as well as spiritual guidance. Then they will join their parents in the church for Eucharist and receive a blessing at the altar. This experience is offered to nurture a richer life as they grow up.

The worship service this Sunday also includes the graduation of 17 youngsters from Centro Infantil, who have completed their three-year, pre-kindergarten program. This class of five-year-olds will be in festive caps and gowns and their parents will be in the congregation. In the spirit of graduation ceremonies, special singing and diplomas will accompany a reception on the church lawn afterward. Centro Infantil is a St. Paul’s outreach program that helps Mexican families in need.

Singles Social Group

San Miguel Wednesday Social Group meets at Restaurant Bacco, Hotel Sautto, Hernández Macías 59. Singles, couples and anyone interested in meeting new people are welcome every Wednesday, 5:30–7:30pm, for 2-for-1 national drinks, delicious Mexican botanas and lively conversation. 



Films & Videos

Meditation Center

The Meditation Center of San Miguel presents a video talk by Sylvia Boorstein, Strengthening Practice, Thursday, July 9, at 5:30pm at Callejon Blanco 4. Presentations of the Center are free; donations are gratefully accepted.

Boorstein says, “My greatest joy is giving the gift of love and hope through the dharma, knowing it is possible for humans to transform their hearts. These dharma gifts include paying attention, practicing clarity and kindness and addressing the suffering of the world.

“Right now I’m most enthusiastic about the first gift, because paying attention makes every part of our lives better by allowing us to see things more clearly. Each moment of clarity is a gift to ourselves and those around us. Clarity keeps us from contributing to more suffering. The gifts of clarity and kindness also support a peaceful heart, which allows us to address the suffering in the world with love. When we practice clarity, we offer the possibility for humans to live in a different way. A peaceful heart is only the beginning; we also have to take action—go out and directly address the suffering with peace in our hearts.

“As a parent, grandparent and a psychotherapist, I teach from the stories of my life and the lives of those around me. I am especially touched by personal narrative, accounts of spiritual journeys, and how these become vehicles for connecting with the dharma. I believe in revealing my own story so that others are more at ease to reveal theirs. Truth-talking is a way out of suffering. Discovering how our hearts and minds work and creating a dialogue support right speech practice. This is an ongoing primary practice we can do all the time. My hope is that, by example, I may encourage people to pay attention and to tell the truth.”



Volunteer Opportunities

Does your nonprofit need some extra help, perhaps for an upcoming event? Send new, short requests for volunteers to edit@atencionsanmiguel.org  with “Volunteer Opportunities” in the subject line. Listings run for four issues.



Theater technicians needed

Playreaders of San Miguel seek production crew, especially light and sound people, for our biweekly play readings. Our stage equipment is new and semi-sophisticated, and our tech director will train you. Join this vibrant theater team, get involved in a fun community organization and learn some new skills along the way! Contact Lola Smith at lolasmithsma@yahoo.com  or Fran Rowe at franrowemex@yahoo.com.