Ajijic Arts, Charities, Clubs and Organizations

ANIMAL SUPPORT GROUPS:

Animal Shelter: lakesideanimalshelter.com
Provides shelter and new homes for dogs and cats, sells a pet supplies and operates a free bird sanctuary for local children and residents.
Geoffrey Kaye (unlisted)///avilarosaslur@hotmail.com///

Anita’s Animals: www.anitasanimals.com
Provides shelter and finds new homes for abandoned animals.
Anita Strehlow 01-387-761-0500

Lakeside Spay and Neuter Ranch and Adoptions: www.lakesidespayandneutercenter.com/
Provides shelter and helps curtail the over-population of animals.
English: Gudron Jones 376-766-3813///loveonaleash@prodigy.net.mx///
Español: Bob Hugi 376-765-4082

ARTS GROUPS:

Ajijic Society of the Arts (ASA):
Provides local artists an opportunity to meet, demonstrate techniques and organize art shows; and provides assistance to young Mexican artists to learn and show their work.
Deena Jafker376-766-2249///oliodee@hotmail.com///

Los Cantantes del Lago: www.loscantantesdellago.com
This professionally directed chorus enjoys performing classical, sacred and contemporary music, including works of local composers. They give concerts at Lakeside and in Guadalajara, and performed in Turkey, Greece and Ecuador.
Tim Welch///timgrwelch@hotmail.com///

Lakeside Little Theatre A.C.: www.lakesidelittletheatre.com
Promotes and produces a season of balanced theatrical entertainment for the English-speaking community including the development of talent in every area of the theatre arts.

Music Appreciation Society A.C.:
Promotes music and dance, with emphasis on classical, in the Lake Chapala area, and stages six highly professional concerts each year in the Auditorio de la Ribera. MAS provides opportunities for Mexican students to attend their concerts with the goal of enriching their learning experience.
Beverly Denton 376-765-6409///bjely49@hotmail.com///

Northern Lights Music Festival: www.northernlightsmusic.ca
Provides young talented Canadian artists exposure and experience on the international concert stage and provides the community with a wide range of classical music venues including concerts and demonstrations to young Mexican students and musicians through an annual music festival.
Tom Gladney 376-766-1210///tgladney@gmail.com///

¡VIVA la Música!: www.ajijicviva.org
Bringsfine music to Lakeside while providing opportunities to showcase the musical talent available within the Guadalajara area. It is especially interested in promoting the musical education and careers of young, up-and-coming Mexican musicians.
Rosemary Keeling376-766-1801///rosemarykeeling@hotmail.com///

CHARITY SUPPORT GROUPS:

Mexican National Chili Cookoff: www.mexicanchilicookoff.com
Organizes aMexican National Cook Off providing a carnival for residents of Lakeside and Guadalajara and thereby raises charitable funds ($20,000 pesos per group) for ten Lakeside IJAS approved charities.
Loren Reynolds 376-765-4271///pennyloren@prodigy.net.mx///

St. Andrew’s Outreach Program: www.standrewsparish.net
Provides financial support to selected area charities from fund-raising activities through this Episcopal Church parish at Lakeside.
Libby Colterjohn 376-766-08 67///libby.colterjohn@gmail.com///

CHILDREN AND FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS: (see also Education and Medical Support Groups)

Casa del Lago (Casa de Ancianos) Chapala:
Provides support for local area elderly citizens through a residential home in Chapala.
Marlene Dunham 376-765-2497///casadeancianos@asistencia.org///

Casas Cariñosas, A.C.: www.abbyfield.com
As part of the world wide non-profit organization of Abbeyfield, help an increasing number of older people enjoy a high quality of independent living provided through a range of services, including housing, support or care, with local community involvement.
Brian Howard 376-766-2794///howard@surenet.net///

Centro de Desarrollo Ajijic:
Provides family planning and reproductive health education for Lakeside families (women and men) in schools, churches and the community.
Sylvia Flores 376-766-1679///sylviaflores2@hotmail.com///

Centro Amor en Acción (Love in Action Center) www.loveinactioncenter.org
Provides abandoned, abused, orphans and poverty-stricken children with a safe and loving home and the opportunity to receive an education for a better future.
Anabel Frutos 376-765-7409///director@loveinactioncenter.org///

Hope House
The Hope House is a safe shelter for boys ages 8 to 18. Our vision is to develop character, provide love and impart tools to be a successful part of society.
376-762-0032///isaac_li_1@hotmail.com///

La Ola Casa Hogar www.laolacasahogar.org
La Ola is a children's shelter for girls age 3 -18. We provide a loving, family-style atmosphere for disadvantaged children from the streets, abandonment or abusive situations. We attempt to help prepare them to reintegrate into society  and to be productive citizens.
Becky Plinke 387-763-0749 ///laola@laolacasahogar.org///

Mexican Association to Empower Women for Family Integration, AMSIF:
To work with the poor, mainly women, to transform the family values in the community. Educate women so they can have a critical mind and thus liberate themselves and become agents of change through a liberated and integral education. A method of education used where they can “see, judge, and act”.
Alicia Salcido 01-387-761-0185///aliciasalcido2003@yahoo.com///

Mision de San Pablo (Xtlahuacan de los Membrillos):
Supports feeding, clothing, health improvement, improved accommodations, and educational support to 50 orphans whose parents and/or guardians have perished or become debilitated by AIDS.
Madre Erica 045-331-090-8379///dixie@tepalo.com///

Niños y Jovenes Caravan:
Provides food, clothing and cleaning materials for children in an orphanage in San Juan Cosala.
Rudy Maurin 01-387-761-0384///cruderude@msn.com///

Operation Compassion Ministries:
Feeding the hungry a comida meal in San Antonio, Monday to Saturday at Jesus Garcia #4.
Tom Music 376-766-5956///tmusic3856@yahoo.com///

Villa Infantil Orphanage:
Villa Infantil is located in a rural area near the small village of San Pedro Tesistan – about forty-five miles from Guadalajara on the south shore of Lake Chapala. The orphanage was started in Guadalajara in 1996 and moved to this location in 2002. It is run with loving care by Madre Maria with the help of two other nuns. There are currently 23 children at the Villa aged 1 -13. In 2010, ten children were either adopted or able to return home to their families. The children are all brought to the Villa through the Department of Social Services and it is anticipated that 5 or more children will make the Villa their home by the end of this year.

In early July, 2011 Villa Infantil had its first comprehensive state inspection. The state presented Madre Maria with a list of new compliance items that must be met if the Villa is to operate as an orphanage after November 28, 2011. While many of the items were simple to address and have already been accomplished, some require substantial amounts of funding.

Please visit our website at www.friendsofvillainfantil.org to find out more about the Villa and get information about visiting, donating, volunteering or sponsoring a child.

To contact a Villa Infantil volunteer by email:///info@friendsofvillainfantil.org///, or telephone: Sandra Cartwright at 376-764-0093.

Unidad de Atencion a la Violencia Intrafamilia Sistema DIF Chapala:
Provides assistance to women and children who have suffered from domestic abuse.

CONSERVATION SUPPORT GROUPS:

Amigos del Lago A.C.: www.amigosdellago.org
Strives to restore and protect Lake Chapala and its rivers and basin and to achieve sustainable development and economic growth and propagate the importance of environmental protection and preserve the area’s cultural heritage.
Sergio Unzueta

Ajijic Limpio:
Alfonso Zapata 376-766-4914 Cell 331-171-9373///alfonso.zapata59@hotmail.com///

Lakeside Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation:
Promotes the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals, trees and plants around Lake Chapala.
Vern and Lori Geiger 376-765-4916///lgeiger@prodigy.net.mx///

EDUCATION SUPPORT GROUPS:

Biblioteca of San Antonio:
Provides Spanish library facilities for children and families in the San Antonio area.
Lois Cugini 376-766-1790 (0603)///loiscugi@prodigy.net.mx///

Carnall's Kids:
Provides Educational Scholarships, making a difference in the lives of children through education.
Donna Carnall 376-766-3727///donnacarnall@hotmail.com///

Jaltepec Centro Educativo
(formerly known as Centro de Formacion Jaltepec: www.jaltepec.edu.mx
Fundraising luncheons and dinners for the benefit of the young women students. Graduates are placed in hotels, hospitality and corporate, and entreprenural endeavors.
Linda Buckthorp 376-766-1631 ///buckthorp@laguna.com.mx///

Club de Niños:
Provides financial assistance to purchase uniforms and school supplies for area students.
Martha Nussgen 376-766-2549///clubdeninos@hotmail.com///

DAR Guadalajara Chapter Sponsorship Program:
Provides scholarships for local students.
Terilla K. Power 376-765-5315

DAR Lakeside’s Thomas Paine Chapter:
Provides scholarships for lakeside students
Sandra Loridans 376-766-2981///SoTouch@prodigy.net.mx///

E.R.I.C.:
Provides support for the construction and renovation of educational buildings at Lakeside.
Dan McTavish 376-766-2866///mctdan@gmail.com///

THE GOLDEN STRINGS OF LAKE CHAPALA, A.C.:
Provides free music lessons to indigent children at Lakeside as well as preparatoria scolarships.  The Golden Strings Foundation is a registered 501C3 charity that helps provide funding for the A.C. 
Marvin Harthcock 376-763-5093///helaine.marvin@gmail.com///

CREM:
Emmanual Medeles

Lake Chapala Society  Student Aid Fund:
Provides financial support to qualified area students to enroll in university, vocational and high school programs.
Terry Vidal 376-766-1140///executivedirector@lakechapalasociety.org///

Lake Chapala Society Wilkes Education Center (Biblioteca Publica):
Provides classes in language and other topics for both Anglo and Mexican community
Terry Vidal 376-766-1140///executivedirector@lakechapalasociety.org///

Little Blue School:
Provides financial assistance for students at a school for disabled children in Chapala.
Robert & Bonnie Kleffel 376-766-1552///bkleffel@hotmail.com

Los Niños de Chapala & Ajijic A.C.:
Provides financial support for the educational, nutritional and social development of local area children.
Bill Friend 376-765-5454///bill@thefriends.info///

San Nicholas High School Scholarship Fund:
Provides financial assistance for students at San Nicholas High School (east of Chapala.)
Marvin Harthcock 01-387-763-5093///helaine.marvin@prodigy.net.mx///

Lakeside School for the Deaf & for Children with Special Needs: www.lakesideschoolforthedeaf.org
Has school in Jocotopec with 100 children.  Provides free meals every school day, free hearing aids and speech therapy. Pays transportation and provides free board to children who come from long distances.
Michael Campo 376-766-4510///mikecampo@prodigy.net.mx///

University & Vocational Assistance:
Provides financial assistance to enroll in university and vocational programs for area students.
Lynn Hanson 376-766-2660///dhanson323@yahoo.com///

MEDICAL SUPPORT GROUPS:

Pasos Milagrosos, A.C.: www.pasosmilagrosos.com
Improve the physical, psychological and social well-being of handicapped children through the interaction of a therapeutic team consisting of a horse, an instructor, and dedicated volunteers. For individuals with physical, mental or emotional disabilities, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence and self-esteem.
Paul Cooper 376-763-5763///pasosmil01@gmail.com///

Lake Chapala Shrine Club:
Provides financial support for medical treatment, within Shrine Hospitals, for local area children up to the age of 18 with burns, cleft palate, orthopedic or disabilities requiring prostheses.
DENNY STROLE, President, ///dstrole@gmail.com///

Programa pro Niños Incapacitados del Lago, A.C.: www.programaninos.org
is an all-volunteer organization that provides financial support for medical treatment of children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, meningitis, cancer and types of birth defects. Our volunteers work at locations in Chapala, Ajijic and Jocotepec.

David McNiven 376 766 2201///djmcniven@gmail.com///

Volunteers of the Cruz Roja, Delegation Chapala: www.cruzrojachapala.com
Sponsors fund raising events and provides administrative and support services to the Delegation.
Debbie Thompson 376-766-5728///zymbasmom@live.com///

GENEALOGICAL, HISTORICAL, MILITARY AND NATIONAL GROUPS:

Axixic Masonic Lodge #31:
International men’s organization.
Wes Weston 376-765-2357///wminmex@gmail.com///

American Legion Post #7:
Provides support for American veterans and several local groups such as “Amor in Ación, Cruz Roja, D.I.F. and several schools in Chapala.
Tom Keehnen 376-765-2048
American Legion Auxiliary:
Helps support local education, Cruz Roja, local elderly, and disabled children.
Mary Pumiglia 376-765-2660///zanyman@yahoo.com///

British Society:
Provides social opportunities for British residents.
Alicia McNiff 376-765-4786///chapalainn@prodigy.net.mx///

Canadian Club:
Provides social outlet and community service opportunities for Canadians residents.
Thea Peterson 376-766-2442

Democrats Abroad
Official overseas wing of the United States National Democratic Party.
Sandra Loridans

Lake Chapala Chapter of Democrats Abroad
Keith Sofka

Tea Party

Bobbie Little 376-765-5529///blittle_success4me@yahoo.com///
U.S. Vonage: 832-519-1845

Amities Francophones:
Provides social, speaking and listening opportunities for French-speaking residents.
Roland Vanhoudt 376-766-0149///rvanhoudt@prodigy.net.mx///

German Club:
Provides social opportunities for German-speaking residents.
Thea Peterson 376-765-2442

The Air Force Association of Canada, 904 Wing
Social and support group for those with Canadian Air Force History.
Don Slimman 376-765-4141///donnics@gmail.com///

Navy League, Lake Chapala Council: www.navyleague.org
International organization dedicated to thesupport the sea services (Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and U.S. Merchant Marine, and inform the public of matters dealing with these services.
Bill Neal 376-766-3123///freewilliam@msn.com///

Sons of the American Revolution, Mexican Society:
Lineal descent from a Patriot of the American Revolution, not necessarily a soldier.
Kennith Loridans 376-7662981///SoTouch@prodigy.net.mx///

Historical Society of Lakeside:
Collects data from organizations and individuals who have contributed to the welfare of Lakeside in order to document the history from early times to the present.
Tod Jonson 376-766-1981///tod921@prodigy.net.mx///

Estrella delLago Chapter #10 Order of Eastern Star: www.oesestrelladellago.org
The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world (over 1 million members) to which both women and men may belong. Estrella del Lago chapter assists local patients with transportation to Shriners Hospital for Children in Mexico City.
Worthy Matron Kenee Campo 376-766-4518///oesestrelladellago@yahoo.org///

INTEREST GROUPS & SERVICE CLUBS:

Chapala Golf and Country Club: cccgolf@prodigy.com
Provides a venue for recreation and social activities for both Mexicans and expatriates. The Country Club also offers thecourse to charitable organizations for fund raising.
Loren Reynolds 376-765-4271///pennyloren@prodigy.com.mx///

Culinary Arts Society of Ajijic: www.ajijiccasa.org

Lakeside Garden Guild: www.lakesidegardenguild.org
Limited membership gardening group promoting the interest in the development of local gardens with an accent on the exotic species available in central Mexico. Presents annual Floral Design Show, supports local projects for community improvement and beautification.
Carolyn De Dea, Corresponding Secty. 387-763-0928///carolyndedea@yahoo.com///

Hash House Harriers:
International running group with local chapter walks on Saturday morning, 8:30 AM, La Nueva Posada Hotel with goals of getting exercise, having fun, and enjoying breakfast.
Denny Strole 376-766-0485///dstrole@gmail.com///

Lake Chapala Garden Club: www.lakechapalagardenclub.com
Promotes an interest, appreciation and better understanding of botanical subjects including but not limited to all plant materials, their care and use in the home and garden. Meetings explore the many garden species and practices unique to this area of Mexico. Open to all interested in gardens and their care. Supports Ajijic Plaza beautification and maintenance.
Karen Lingo, Membership 376-766-1605///dlingo@juno.com///

Lake Chapala Society A.C.: www.lakechapalasociety.org
As a support, social and charitable society for expatriates, provides free medical checks, newcomer information, learning activities in history, physical fitness, computers, Spanish and more, and maintains a 25,000 book library and video library. For the Mexican community, provides English as a second language, remedial tutoring, and student financial aid at the Wilkes Education Center at Galeana #18.
Harold Feldstein 376-766-1634///howardf42@gmail.com///
Terry Vidal 376-766-1140///tqv56431@yahoo.com///

Lakeside Community Awards
Honors members of the Lakeside community who use their talents to benefit the community.
Tod Jonson & Ektor Carranza 376-766-1981///tod921@prodigy.net.mx///

Rotary Club of Ajijic:
Rotary International is the world’s first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self.
Robert Salvatore 376-766-3302///rasalvatore@gmail.com///

LINK
Aids in complaints and legal referrals regarding service utilities, fraud, rental and lease contracts, domestic help and consumer protection.
Luis Romero///luisromeror@gmail.com///

Lakeside Women www.lakesidewomen.org
Sponsors semi-annual conferences on subjects of interest to women, to benefit selected lakeside charities.
Kari Higgins 376-766-3651///karihiggins@laguna.com.mx///

Lakeside Association of Fraccsionamientos and Condominiums (LAFC)
This association is a support group for board members of fraccs and condos that meet every alternate month to discuss items of mutual interest.
Bob Benson 376-765-3061///rabensonmx@yahoo.com///

Condominium Directors Group
Provides a forum for members of the boards of condominiums at Lakeside to discuss and learn about condominium legal and management issues. Meets alternate months.
John Keeling 376-766-1801///keelingmex@gmail.com///

Los Audubonistas de la Laguna de Chapala
Encourages bird-watching; organizes bird walks, bird trips and the Audubon Christmas Bird Count.
John & Rosemary Keeling 376-766-1801///avesajijic@yahoo.com///

Texas Club
To meet new friends and have parties, trips, or anything we decide that would be fun.
Beverley Dawson 376-766-3399///dawson_beverley@yahoo.com///
Office: 376-766-5122
U.S. Vonage: 832-519-1845