People in Our Community

On the surface, the Lakeside villages are like many others in Mexico. They all have the characteristic cobblestone streets, Spanish-tiled roofs and relaxed atmosphere. A closer look, however, reveals several distinct differences-- welcome to a community where people strive to improve their community by being involved.

Meet Aurora Michel, Manager for Lloyd-Actinver, Ajijic Branch. On any given day when you walk into the Ajijic Branch of Lloyd-Actinver you will see this lovely lady sitting at her desk. Busy in every sense of the word, Aurora always has time for a word or two with her customers. As the Manager of the Ajijic branch and now Regional Director for both Ajijic
and Chapala Branches of the newly integrated Actinver-Lloyd, it is amazing how she remembers so many of us by name and can relate to her clients on a very personal level. But this is indeed the essence of this very spiritual, highly intelligent woman. More information....

So you've visited our lovely community here on the Lakeside. Tom Thompson - Barbara's Bazaar

Have fallen in love with the area and have found the perfect home. Congratulations! The home is furnished, but is missing something... an accessory, that special little something to make it yours! We have the perfect place for you to visit. Whether it is a matter of picking up some unique piece or swapping pieces for something else: we invite you to visit Barbara's Bazaar where proprietor Tom Thompson will be there to attend to your needs. More information...

Meet The Many Hats of Ricardo Gonzalez: Delegado of Ajijic...

Meet Ricardo Gonzalez, the current delegado ( like a vice-mayor for the Municipality of Chapala) for Ajijic. Gonzalez answers to the Presidente (mayor) for the municipality. An artist, frame-maker, marathon runner in the Annual Sky Race... Ricardo Gonzalez has his finger on the pulse of the community in which he was raised and lives as an active community member today. More information....

If you are planning to invest in real estate in Mexico, there are some basic legal aspects involved.

When we refer to land, we ask you to keep in mind that land , indeed all real estate, in Mexico is inexpensive to own. Unlike the heavily taxed jurisdictions, it is not costly and you are never forced to sell due to an unreasonable tax burden. We are confident in referring you to Jorge Luis Ramos Uriarte -- English-speaking Notary Public, educated in the United States. He is ready to assist you with your real estate needs.

Club Oxigen

One of the exciting facilities Lakeside is Club Oxigen under the management of Roland and Camille Vanhoudt and Hugh and Jocelyne Coude du Foresto.

Giving Back to the Community

Many of the social events happening Lakeside are actually fund-raisers for charitable organizations. Charitable activities unite the Mexican and foreign populations are they work together to improve the quality of life within the community. The level of community involvement is something to behold.

St. Andrew's Outreach

Every year, St. Andrew's Outreach holds its annual Regalorama (Christmas Bazaar) on the first Saturday of December. Outreach accepts all donations whether large or small. Items can be brought to St. Andrew's Church office Monday through Saturday from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Regalorama Raffle

Each year the Outreach Committee decides their priorities for fund distribution. It is generally decided that Education is the top priority, because it is the best deterrent to future poverty. This is followed by Health and last, but not least, other Charitable causes. Our funds are distributed accordingly. Outreach Donations

All Registered Charities must submit financial records and unregistered charities must submit a Grant application and available financial information. Once the financial information has been reviewed the Charity’s representative(s) are interviewed.

Since the original Regalorama in 1999, Outreach’s reputation has grown tremendously. Two other successful events have been added to our event schedule--a Christmas Home Tour and Auction/Dessert Fair. We also offer “Donation Certificates” to those who wish to buy special gifts for others and help local charities.

It is quite amazing to see how much is accomplished in helping numerous groups on the Lakeside - the Red Cross, School for the Deaf, Niños Incapicitados (Handicapped Children), several orphanages, Homes for the Elderly, Lakeside Education Fund - just to mention a few organizations, but there are many causes and many people to assist in raising funds.

Lakeside School for the Deaf

School for the Deaf participates in Chili Cookoff

Lakeside School for the Deaf is alive and productive today because of two Canadian women, Jackie Hartley and Roma Jones, who got lost in the mountains and wound up in Jocotepec. This was in May of 1979. Jackie rented a house and settled down to paint while Roma went back to Alberta to quit her job so she could return permanently. While painting in the plaza, Jackie noticed a small boy following her. Whenever she turned to him he would give her a shy smile but never spoke. Eventually, men in the plaza explained that the boy, named Rogelio, was deaf. Having both been teachers, Jackie and Roma asked the eight-year-old's parents if they might try to teach him. They had never worked with deaf children-- especially in Spanish, but were willing to give it a try. Only Jackie had any knowledge of the language.
They sent to the U.S. for books on sign language and Jackie set to translating. Their first classroom was the camper they had driven to Mexico. Soon Rogelio's 6-year-old sister joined them, followed by four other students. By the time they officially opened as the Lakeside School for the Deaf, they had nine eager children. From the camper, they moved into an abandoned chicken coop, which they cemented, plastered and painted. School for the Deaf Mardi Gras

    Slowly, the school grew and recruited other teachers from British Columbia. it took time to gain the people's trust. Some parents were very protective and didn't want their children to travel and be boarded with strangers away from home while they learned. To others, if silence was the will of God, so be it; nothing could be done to change deafness! But the villagers did come around and, over the next four years, enrollment grew to 20 students. In July, 1986, Jackie became ill and returned to Canada for care. Roma decided it was time for her to go home, too.
    Gwen Chan was the only teacher who remained through the '80s and '90s as the school's director. Norine Rose, also a native of Toronto, Canada, became a president of the support group for several productive years. With their leadership and the energy of their friends, the school grew. Now they have title to their own land, appropriate school classrooms, a computer lab and playground.
    The results have been astonishing. Students have gone from knowing nothing except hardship and silence, to becoming secretaries, carpenters, cabinet makers, dress makers, jewelry artisans, gardeners. It is extremely rewarding to watch them grow in their new self-confidence. Hearing aids are supplied, health care given and the children are fed hot meals at midday.
School for the Deaf Thrift Shop

Today there are more than 45 students, boarded in Jocotepec, plus children with other disabilities. The State of Jalisco has taken over the teachers' wages, but the support group still raises the money for the hearing aids, doctors, land, taxes, utilities, repairs, food, transporting costs from the deaf children's villages, and boarding costs. Masked Ball

Our fund-raisers take fascinating shapes, from running our own resale shop, working a booth at the annual Chili Cookoff, and hosting elegant sit-down dinners, to having a magnificent yearly gala masked ball, that sells out as quickly as it is announced.

Every Christmas, the students put on a pantomime entertainment, a joy to watch. When they sing Silent Night in sign language, the love is boundless and the tears are apt to come.
For any further information, the current president is Leslie Martin and her phone number is 766-2274. Masked Ball

Here children from the Lakeside School for the Deaf 'sign' "Silent Night" in last year's (2004) Christmas program. The children put on a program every year which is extremely heart-warming and uplifting. It is also usually very funny with the fights between the devil and angels. It is so fantastic to watch the children grow and expand from year to year.

Villa Infantil

Villa Infantil Children So many things have been happening at the Villa Infantil over the past year. We would like to share some of the experiences with you!

Madre Maria and Madre Blanca are now the only two Sisters left who are caring for the children at the Villa Lake location. A very kind patron has agreed to pay the salary for two young women from a nearby village to assist them for one year. I am not sure they could have managed without them! Villa Infantil group photo

Also, a third casita has been completed by the owner of the property. As of this time, no one is living in it, due to the lack of another adult to live in it with the children.

One of the more rewarding experiences we shared in was about a five year old girl who has arrived recently, (along with two other younger sisters). This child's teeth were nothing more than black, rotten spikes. She could only eat soft food, because of the pain. A local dentist agreed to help her and charged only for the cost of the materials. Following three long visits, she now has new white teeth and healthy gums! She not only feels good, but can now smile, as she is very pretty! When we brought her back to the Villa, all the children ran out to greet her and examine her new teeth! Everyone was amazed at the difference!

Villa Infantil babies Eye glasses, vaccinations, teeth, correcting crooked legs, are all part of what helps to improve these children's lives! Add a lot of love and a good education, and they have a great chance of being adopted and to growing up to have the opportunities to be whatever they dream of! Money to pay for these services is simply not in the Villa’s financial resources, it can only come from donations by concerned and caring people. Villa Infantil Petals

DIF, which is the social services organization in Mexico, has undergone many progressive changes in the last year. Consequently, more children are now eligible to be adopted. Since December, more than 12 children now have new families and homes. This is the best news of all!

However, as soon as one leaves, another arrives!

Villa Infantil White Dress There have also been more orphanages which have been created in the area within the last year. Because of this, and also lack of exposure, Villa Infantil has lost many of its volunteers and monetary support!

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Please link onto our website http://www.villainfantilmexico.org and seek out our "new web link" which will direct you to the new pictures of the children and activities. We think you will be amazed at how beautiful these children are!

AJIJIC VILLAGE HOMES