Guadalajara Reporter

Congratulations go to Deena Hafker, president of the Ajijic Society of the Arts (ASA), and her treasurer Jeanne Greene, who spearheaded the exhibition that opened at the Gonzalez Gallo Cultural Center on November 20. This amazing display of 75 works of art by ASA members opened with a full-blown affair complete with wine, snacks and mariachi music. The beautiful refurbished 1920s train station is a perfect setting for the show.

ASA donated two iron benches that were installed on the back terrace of the center. Do take some time to visit this great exhibition that will be up until January 5. Hours at the center are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Clearance art sale

Victor Romero, Judy Eager and friends will hold an art clearance sale on Friday, December 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Galeria Los Amigos, located on Javier Mina about one-half block downhill from the Ajijic Clinic. The gallery will be loaded with paintings of high quality and lots of color. Art lovers shouldn’t miss it.

Flamenco

The Music Appreciation Society (MAS) presents a flamenco dance program on Wednesday, December 16, 7:30 p.m. at Auditorio de la Ribera del Lago. Headliners will be Antonio Jimenez “El Chupete,” Spanish-born and trained, and Cristina Moguel, who was the principal dancer with a flamenco company in New York City and toured with them around the world. The group includes two other dancers, two guitarists, a singer and a percussionist.

Moguel’s love and enthusiasm for the flamenco art form has led her to conduct more than 70 “Artists in Residencies” in schools across the United States. Today she teaches in Chapala and continues her dedication as a performer.

The tickets for 300 pesos go on sale at the Lake Chapala Society Tickets, Etc. booth and Charter Club Tours on November 30 until December 15. Last year’s flamenco program was sold out so you’d better get your tickets early.

Second edition

The second edition of Libby Colterjohn’s book “High Altitude Cooking in Mexico” has just gone to print. It will be for sale at the Food Lovers’ Stall at the St. Andrew’s Regalorama on December 5. The revisions include some excellent new recipes and will be available with a spiral binding or punched with three holes for use in a binder.

All proceeds go back into the community via the St. Andrew’s Outreach Program that supports several local charities.

The book can also be purchased directly from the author by calling 766-0867.

Costumes

Lakeside Little Theatre (LLT) is looking for volunteers to sort and organize the theater’s Costume/Wardrobe Department. The sorting will be started in the next couple of weeks and, depending upon the number of volunteers, should take only a day or two.

If you would like to help at the theater please contact Don Chaloner at 766-1975 or E-mail 77dondo@gmail.com for the date, time and other details.

Di Paola

Galeria Di Paola, located at Calle Colon 11 in Ajijic, will open an exhibition of works by famed Mexican painter Chucho Reyes on Tuesday, December 1, 5 p.m. with cocktails. This new show, entitled “The Magnetic Fields,” promises to repeat the sensation that his show here created two years ago. Reyes’ iconic works can be one, two or three dimensional, in contemporary, interesting concepts with out-of-the-box perspectives in a pleasing fashion. Very fresh and exciting. The phone number for Galeria Di Paola is 766-1010.

CASA

The Culinary Society of Ajijic (CASA) met on November 17. The speaker for the meeting was Dr. Anton Pinto, who told stories about famous dishes of Mexico, while judges determined the winners of the monthly competition.

The first category of “Poultry” was dominated by Wayne Palfrey, who took first place with his Chicken with Blueberry Glaze. Phil Posner took second place with his Almond Chicken with Salsa and Cheryl Davis came in third and won the People’s Choice Award for her Chicken and Dumplings.

The second category, “Pumpkin Desserts,” saw Joe DeLeon in first place and with the People’s Choice Award for his Pumpkin Cheesecake with Chocolate and Nuts. This garnered a Bing Award for De Leon as it was his third first-place win during this calendar year.

Second place in the dessert category was Impossible Pumpkin Pie with Cream Cheese Icing by Mary Wingrave. Joan Ray came in third with Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake with Cinnamon Cream.

For more information about CASA, contact CASA president Patrick Winn at 766-4842.