INFO San Miguel

General News

San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca among Top 10 Cities to Visit in the Americas

Condé Nast Traveler’s 2008 Reader’s Choice Survey revealed that its readers voted two Mexican cities among the top 10 cities to visit in the Americas. The two cities are San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. According to the survey in which 32,633 Condé Nast Traveler readers participated, San Miguel de Allende was ranked the friendliest city in Latin America.

“These awards celebrate the destinations, lodgings, and modes of transportation that exceed our expectations,” said Klara Glowczewska, editor in chief of Condé Nast Traveler.

“The 2008 Readers’ Choice Awards, with over 32,000 readers voting, are a credit to the worldly expertise of our readers—passionate travelers for whom no island is too remote, no city too challenging, and no hotel too untested.

” These results came for the Top 100 Reader’s Choice Awards survey, which was available to all readers of Condé Nast Traveler through a secure web site. The survey also includes the top resorts and hotels in Mexico.

The top 10 are:

1. Buenos Aires
2. Vanvouver
3. Quebec City
4. Victoria
5. San Miguel de Allende
6. Cuzco
7. Montreal
8. Oaxaca City
9. Toronto
10. Rio de Janeiro

December 15
- The Instituto de Rehabilitación Y Enseñanza Especial (IREE), SMA school for the deaf is celebrating – there is now enough money donated to stay open for a few more months, rather than closing at the end of the current year. This BREAKTHROUGH celebration will take the form of drinks, food, music and live auction – all donated for the school – at The Restaurant, Sollano 16. Tickets are sold at Border Crossings, La Conexión, Agua de Coco and The Restaurant, but not at the door! For further information contact dsconnor@comcast.nei .

December 16
– the Centro de Desarrollo Agropecuario (CEDESA), one of the first organizations of folks who live in the campo (campesinos) are bringing their “goodies” to El Charco del Ingenio to taste and sell at noon. Goodies will include honey from the Association of Beekeepers of Northern Guanajuato, and nopals plus some organic local products.

The archaeological work at Cañada de la Virgen, just southwest of SMA, is complete and the road connecting it to the road to Guanajuato will soon have construction begin. It is hoped that in less than a year, tourists will be able to visit this reconstructed site.

Special Xmas Holiday Events for Children

December 15
– IREE fundraiser at The Restaurant, Sollano 16 from 5:00 to 8:00

December 12
- is a party day at Santuario Hogar Guadalupana, off the Salida of Dolores, to celebrate the Virgen of Guadalupe, beginning at 9:00 a.m. with Eucharist until noon. At 5:30, there will be a parade with adults and children dressed as indigenous people, with food, bingo and a raffle. Proceeds will go to the home’s maintenance, clothing and food fund.

December 13
- Posada at Jacienda de Landeta – Fund Raising for Centro de Crecimiento

December 13
– Biblioteca Pública’s, Insurgentes 25, has its annual huge Bodega de Sorpresas from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30.

December 19
– A Holiday Party for the kids at the Luis Malo School in the village of Esperanza, which is southwest of Cieneguita. Gifts for these kindergarten-age children can be wrapped and taken to Café Internet Punto G, Calle Hildago 23, on or before December 15. For more information, check with Vivian Trillen at (415) 150-7220.

January 10
– Party – Three Kings for Santuario Hogar Guadalupana Mexiquito – noon to 3:00 – Border Crossings choose a child from photograph, get a letter of what s/he wants – contact Robin Loving Rowland at 152-3797 or from USA or Canada (925) 418-8003.

The children at the three casas de hogar (orphanages) will benefit from The Christmas Wishes Fund organized by Susan Sargeant of La Conexión.
People give money to fill a fund so that the 83 children will have $500 pesos to purchase gifts for themselves. Other people volunteer to chaperone the young shoppers. Dates and time to shop with the children can be arranged through December and beyond to Three Kings Day on January 6. To make a donation or sign up as a chaperone, call Susan at 152-1599.

Groups and Meetings

December 12
– Pre-Xmas sale at ALMA from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 at Callejón Lejona, Col. La Lejona.

December 12
– Dila’s, Ancha de San Antonio 31 will hold Karaoke night, beginning at 8:00, to raise funds for the approximately 30 high school students who attend the Teen Creative Workshops. For further information, contact Jody Feagan at jody@sanmiguel-workshops.com

December 13
- The Authors’ Sala are having “A Celebration of the Beat Writers” at the Hotel Real de Minas from 5:00 to 9:30. Beat Writers and hangers-on dated from 1949 through 1982 in Mexico, some of them, here in SMA.

December 14
- The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will hear the Rev. Dr. Thomas D. Lynch, Executive Director of the University of Texas Pan American programs in SMA, speak of the idea of a personal god and expand on why that is a problem for some people. The Fellowship welcomes people of all ages, races, religions, sexual orientation, and gender identity, meets each Sunday in La Posada de la Aldea, Ancha de San Antonio 15 at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome.

December 16
- The Midday Rotary Club has its weekly meeting in the Hotel Real de Minas. The group gathers from noon till 12:25. The meeting starts promptly at 12:30. Guest speaker will be writer Lou Christine talking about writing as he has experienced it.

December 21
- SMA’s Audubon will have their monthly third Sunday birdwalk. Now is the time of year when many migrating birds fly through SMA air space and stop for a visit. Meet at Instituto Allende, Ancha de San Antonio 20, at 8:00 a.m. to join Bob Graham, the resident winter expert. Members go FREE. Binoculars and bird books enhance the experience. Volunteer transportation is always welcome. Further information is at 152-2139.

December 21
– Shalom San Miguel will have a Chanukah party at the home of Doris and Herb Tolpen at 7:00. Space is limited, so call 154-5438 to assure them you are going to be there.

December 18
- Mujeres in Cambio will hold the monthly luncheon with Roast Turkey breast with trimmings and vegetables, salad and deserts. Tickets can be purchased at Casa de Papel, Mesones 57A. No phone reservations. For further information, call Roger Hind at 154-6552.

The Social and Newcomers Club meets every Tuesday evening at either a home or a local restaurant. They also meet on Fridays at noon in Casa Payo restaurant, Zacateros 26. The bridge players raise money for kids’ projects. Call Jean Schickel at 152-4299 for further information.

December 23
– Pie (and Gingerbread Men) Sale. These funds are to be donated to the 30 Mexican high-schoolers who form the Teen Writers’ Workshop. Sale at the Biblioteca Pública, Insurgentes 25 from 10:00a.m. to 2:00. Donations needed. Contact Jody Feagan at jody@sanmiguelworkshops.com .

Lectures

December 16
– A lecture on “Popular Celebrations of December” will be given in the Biblioteca Pública’s Santa Ana Theater at 2:30. Entrance at Insurgentes 25.

Tours

December 13
– Saturday Adventure Tours usually visit a home of an artist or artisan and then goes to a place of interest out of town, BUT this week the tour leaves the Instituto Allende at 5:30, where free transportation will take the to a real traditional Mexican posada with piñatas prizes, hors d’oeuvres and a sit-down dinner plus traditional music. Tickets are available at Casa Maxwell, El Pegaso and in the Jardín.

December 14
- House and Garden Tour begins gathering at the Biblioteca Pública at 11:00 a.m. and leaves at noon to visit 3 houses.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, a walking tour of historic SMA led by SMA volunteers leaves the Jardín in front of the Parroquia. The tour lasts a little over two hours and is mostly level walking. Taking the tour helps provide medical and dental care for children in need through Patronato Pro Niños.

December 16
– The Tuesday morning tour of the botanic garden El Charco del Ingenio meets at the main entrance and leaves promptly at 10:00 a.m. It lasts about two and a half hours. Bring hat and water and wear comfortable walking shoes. For further information, call 154-8838.

Movies

Biblioteca Cinemateca
Dec. 15
– Opera/Ballet Series – Verdi’s Nabucco, English – 2:00
– Lost and Found in Mexico, Doc – Eng Q&A with Film maker afterwards – 5:00
– Day for Night – Fren/Eng – 6:30
Dec. 17
– Spiritual Cinema: Retreat – Eng – Psych Drama – 4:00
Dec. 18
– Searching for the Maya, Doc – Eng/Sp – 3:00

MM Cinemas – For schedule 120-4743

Movie Pocket Theater – El Market Bistro, Hernández Macías 95 – 1:30, 4:00 & 7:00

Shelter Theater, Vincente Guerrero 4, Colonia San Rafael
Dec. 20
- Mexican Premier of Bye, Bye Bombay with Cara Yeats of the film + Xmas party for benefit of Casa de Hogar Don Bosco for girls – 8:00
Dec. 21
– Bye, Bye Bombay as above

Meditation Center of San Miguel, Callejón Blanco 4 (off Quebrada)
December 11
- Fearless Mountain, Doc. On the lives of the Abhayagirib Buddhist Monastery – 5:30

The Arts

December 13
- The Arthur Murray dancers return to Romanos Italian Restaurant, Hernández Macías 93 from 7:30 to 9:00 and this week, all proceeds will be for the Cruz family, whose home burned down on November 28. A Salsa lesson is scheduled from 7:30 to 8:15.

December 17
– Writer’s Workshop: San Miguel will have a holiday literary party, with the entry fee going to the local orphanages. Five writers (Margaret Tallis, Sheila Sheehan, Mariah Sirius, Cynthia Huntington, and Carolyn Roberts de Hernández) will read from current works at Garrison & Garrison Books in the Hotel Sautto, Hernández Macías 59 from 5:00 to 7:00.

February 21 and 22
– Iguana productions will put on four plays in English and Spanish with Music. They will host an arts and crafts fair on these dates. To participate, contact Sharon Conklin at sharon@theatersanmiguel.com.

Performing Arts

December 17
- Pianist and Conductor Antonio Cabrero will give a concert in Biblioteca Pública’s Sala Quetzal at 7:30. Entrance is at Reloj 50A.

December 17 in the Santa Ana Theater, entrance at Reloj 50A, and again
December 23 in St. Paul’s Church, Calle Cardo 6, with both concerts at 7:00
– vocalist Gabriela Perales Betancourt, will be accompanied by saxophonist Josue Caceres from Brazil, Uriel Orozco, Keyboard, Pawis on bass, drummer Carlos Aquinaga and guitarist Julian Arcos. The Christmas magic will be jazzy.

December 18
- A concert by Sergio Basurto playing the folk harp and flamenco guitar will be in the Biblioteca Pública’s Sala Quetzal at 7:30. Entrance is at Reloj 50A.

December 19
- Javier “Gitano” Estrada will give a concert of Gypsy Noche de Fiesta music with his guitar and voice in the Biblioteca Pública’s Sala Quetzal at 7:00. Entrance is at Reloj 50A.

December 20
– The students of Gravity Works School of the New Circus Arts will perform at the Centro Comercial La Luciérnaga at 5:00.

December 20
– Classical Guitar played by Juan Ramon Arceo will be the concert fare in the Santa Ana Theater at 7:00. In 2007, Arceo completed his Diplom-Musiker in the Folkwang Musik Hochschule in Essen, Germany.

December 20
– A Christmas concert by the united choirs of Voces Unidas, the children of Kantaré and accompanied by the San Miguel Ensemble under the direction of Xavier Hernández will be at El Sindicato at 7:00.

December 19 thru 31 – Gilberto Munguia returns with his Música de Cámara Festival de San Miguel de Allende. All concerts, including the four FREE concerts are to be in the Angela Peralta Theater, corner of Mesones and Hernández Macías at 8:00
Concert 1 – Dec 19 – Beethoven, Strauss, Brahms
Concert 2 – Dec 20 – Prokofief, Brahms, Schubert
Concert 3 – Dec 21 – Arriaga, Mendelssohn (2), St. Saens
Concert 4 – Dec 22 – Haydn, Mozart, Brahms
Concert 5 – Dec 23 – Beethoven, Glass, Schumann
Concert 6 – Dec 26 – Rachmaninoff, Mendelssohn, Dohnanyi
Concert 7 – Dec 27 – Brahms. Chopin, Prokofief, Granados (2), Ponce
Concert 8 – Dec 28 – Mozart, Brahms, Fauré
Concert 9 – Dec 29 – Mozart, Kosenko, Beethoven
Concert 10 – Dec 30 – Haydn, Herrmann, Mendelssohn
Concert 11 – Dec 31 – Popper, Brahms, Schumann

The Fine Arts Quartet will perform during their Música de Cámara Festival appearances on December 20, 21, 23, 26, 29 and 30 and 31.
For further program information and tickets, go to Plaza Colonial, Canal 24 or call 152-8380.

FREE concerts will be 12-20 at noon – Bach, Ysaye, Franck
Dec 24 at 4:00 – Prokofief’s Pedro y el Lobo
Dec 25 at 8:00 – Los Violins Internacionales de Los Hermanos Aguascalientes
Dec 27 at noon – Haydn, Strauss

Exhibitions and Openings

December 13 and 14
– The Casa de las Ranas in La Cieneguita will hold open house for the Art and Whimsey Holiday Sale of works and knickknacks by Anado McLauchlin and Patrice Wynne. Directions for getting there: Drive down Canal and continue past the stop light to the parking lot of the railway station. Bear left, and then to the right across the tracks, then immediately right onto the asphalt road. Continue, passing .three curves and the straight into La Cieneguita. At the end of the paved road, turn right and straight to the Church. Make a dogleg right at the Church. Casa de Ranas is the colorful house on your left. Please park on the road.

December 13
– Some of SMA’s business women have had their photos taken by Skip Williams, and there is an opening of his work under the title “Las Dueñas” at Market Bistro, Hernández Macías 95, at 7:00.

December 14
– Atenea Gallery, Jesús 2, will have an opening from noon to 3:00 for equestrienne and painter Dede Schumacher’s paintings of “Majestic Mystery Horses.”

December 19
– Exclusives San Miguel, Zacateros 9, will have the sun drenched paintings of Andres Gurumeta Méndez. This internationalist was born in Veracruz, lived in Sað Paulo, Brazil, is a Signature Member of the Canadian Federation of Artists, and is now showing in SMA.

December 20
– Marion Perlet will have a retrospective show of her paintings in the Mural Room of the Instituto Allende, Ancha de San Antonio 20. The opening from 6:00 to 8:00 will coincide with Perlet’s book signing of her recently published book Outside Looking In.

Workshops and Classes

Currently ongoing, Sunday mornings at 10:30 for about 45 minutes at the Los Frailes Plaza de Azulejo, Grandmaster Dr. Dan-Horia Chinda teaches Chi-Kung and Tai-chi Chuan focusing on simple exercises and the practical benefits of practice.

Ongoing classes in Hatha Yoga – Beginners meet Monday and Wednesdays from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. All levels meet on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:00 to 7:30. Classes are held at Hotel Casa Bonita, Calle Cardo 9. Further information at 152-1271.

December 13 (Spanish) – A workshop in the Quantum Collapse Process,
December 15 (English) a personal transformation course which will be taught at the Holistic and Chiropractic Center, Vincente Araiza 12, Colonia La Lejona. For information drjimstar@tuserinterior.com

Beginning in January, Dan-Horia Chinda will give weekly classes in bansai with classes limited to 10 persons.
For details email dan-horia@atelierdhc.com .

General News

SMA’s Centro de Crecimiento (Center for Development) has a new way for treating those youngsters who are spastic – they put them on a horse. First they let the kids touch the horse and give it some feed to gain confidence. Later the kid is put up on the horse, which walks with the child on its back, with a rhythm similar to that of a human walking, something a spastic child cannot experience. There are two locations where Salvador León, equine therapist at the Center for Development works with the horses and children – Rancho Morera, on the road to Querétaro, and Lienzo Charro on the road to Celaya.

December 15
- The Instituto de Rehabilitación Y Enseñanza Especial (IREE), SMA school for the deaf is celebrating – there is now enough money donated to stay open for a few more months, rather than closing at the end of the current year. This BREAKTHROUGH celebration will take the form of drinks, food, music and live auction at The Restaurant, Sollano 16. Tickets are sold at border Crossings, La Conexión, Agua de Coco and The Restaurant, but not at the door!

Special Xmas Holiday Events for Children

December 11 – IREE School for the deaf – Pastorela at El Ring, Hidalgo 25 at 5:00

December 15 – IREE fundraiser at The Restaurant, Sollano 16 from 5:00 to 8:00

December 12 is a party day at Santuario Hogar Guadalupana, off the Salida of Dolores, to celebrate the Virgen of Guadalupe, beginning at 9:00 a.m. with Eucharist until noon. At 5:30, there will be a parade with adults and children dressed as indigenous people, with food, bingo and a raffle. Proceeds will go to the home’s maintenance, clothing and food fund.

December 13 – Posada at Jacienda de Landeta – Fund Raising for Centro de Crecimiento

December 13 – Biblioteca Pública’s, Insurgentes 25, annual huge Bodega de Sorpresas from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30.

January 10 – Party – Three Kings for Santuario Hogar Guadalupana Mexiquito – noon to 3:00 – Border Crossings choose a child from photograph, get a letter of what s/he wants – contact Robin Loving Rowland at 152-3797 or from USA or Canada (925) 418-8003

The children at the three casas de hogar (orphanages) will benefit from The Christmas Wishes Fund organized by Susan Sargeant of La Conexión.
People give money to fill a fund so that the 83 children will have $500 pesos to purchase gifts for themselves. Other people volunteer to chaperon the young shoppers. Dates and time to shop with the children can be arranged through December and beyond to Three Kings Day on January 6. To make a donation or sign up as a chaperon, call Susan at 152-1599.

Two ladies of SMA went for a balloon ride to celebrate their birthdays recently – Elizabeth Phipps at 90 and Elena Shoemaker at 60 – What a great way to celebrate!

Artist Michael Wiebach, SMA resident, is showing his current installation in the Mexico City airport, where millions will see his provocative “Rearview Mirror” work from November 13 until December 31.

Business News

December 6
- The grand opening from 2:00 to 8:00 for the new culture/retail center, La Obra de San Arvino, at La Rosa 28 in Colonia Allende. Arvino Kaganovitch, created the complex which is to have a restaurant and a hobby shop, as part of 12 spaces to be used for studios and galleries and a welding shop. A stage for performances and is connected to the three suite Buenos Sueños Hotel and parking space. For further information, call 154-7812.

Groups and Meetings

December 7
- The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will hear Canadian Stefan Benedikson talk about renewable energy and Iceland’s successful form of energy independence. The Fellowship welcomes people of all ages, races, religions, sexual orientation, and gender identity, meets each Sunday in La Posada de la Aldea, Ancha de San Antonio 15 at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome.

December 9
- The Midday Rotary Club has its weekly meeting in the Hotel Real de Minas. The group gathers from noon till 12:25. The meeting starts promptly at 12:30. Guest speaker will be massage therapist Margaret Tallis talking about how her work can contribute to healthfulness.

December 6
– The natural reserve Xido/Cabras will benefit from a Mexican Afternoon at Faroles 3, Col. Atascadero. Entertainment, food, music and arts and crafts display will be parts of the occasion.

December 12
– Dila’s, Ancha de San Antonio 31 will hold Karaoke night, beginning at 8:00, to raise funds for the approximately 30 high school students who attend the Teen Creative Workshops. For further information, contact Jody Feagan at jody@sanmiguel-workshops.com .

December 13
- The Authors’ Sala are having “A Celebration of the Beat Writers” at the Hotel Real de Minas from 5:00 to 9:30. Beat Writers and hangers-on dated from 1949 through 1982 in Mexico, some of them, here in SMA.

Mujeres in Cambio will hold the monthly luncheon with Roast Turkey breast with trimmings and vegetables, salad and deserts. Tickets must be purchased at Casa de Papel, Mesones 57A. No phone reservations. For further information, call Roger Hind at 154-6552.

The Social and Newcomers Club meets every Tuesday evening at either a home or a local restaurant. They also meet on Fridays at noon in Casa Payo restaurant, Zacateros 26. Call Jean Schickel at 152-4299 for further information.

Lectures

Lectures in the Biblioteca Pública’s, Insurgentes 25, Sala Quetzal (SQ) and Santa Ana Theater (SAT)

December 9
– (SQ) Richard Adelman will give a talk on “Never Fall Again” at 3:00.

December 10
– (SQ) Sergio Rodriguez will lecture on “Compassionate Communication” at 3:00.

December 11
– To learn about the background of the celebration of the Virgen of Guadalupe, hear Maria Teresa Valenzuela and Georgeann Johnson and see their slide show at Warren Hardy’s School, San Rafael 6, from 5:00to 7:00.

Tours

December 6
– Saturday Adventure Tours usually visit a home of an artist or artisan and then goes to a place of interest out of town. The tour leaves from in front of the Parroquia at 10:30.

December 7
- House and Garden Tour begins gathering at the Biblioteca Pública at 11:00 a.m. and leaves at noon to visit 3 houses.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, a walking tour of historic SMA led by SMA volunteers leaves the Jardín in front of the Parroquia. The tour lasts a little over two hours and is mostly level walking. Taking the tour helps provide medical and dental care for children in need through Patronato Pro Niños.

December 9
– The Tuesday morning tour of the botanic garden El Charco del Ingenio meets at the main entrance and leaves promptly at 10:00 a.m. It lasts about two and a half hours. Bring hat and water and wear comfortable walking shoes. For further information, call 154-8838.

December 10
– The International Lions Club of SMA will have a 3-day touring and shopping trip to Guadalajara plus Tonalá and Tlaquepaque.
This is a fundraiser for the Lions visual and diabetes clinic, which is on Thursday mornings at Correo 63.

Movies

Biblioteca Cinemateca
12-5 – French Twist, Fren/Eng – 3:00
French Twist, Fren/Eng – 7:00
12-6 – Kids Matinée (Sala Infantil) – Cartoons – Noon – FREE
12-8 – Opera/Ballet Series – Prokofiev’s The Fiery Angel – 2:00
PREMIER – Love Is …, local actors and production – 6:00
PREMIER & Reception – Love is … – 8:00
12-9 – Audubon Movie: Hooked on Hummingbirds – FREE to members – 3:00
Babel – 8th of IREE Series, Eng/Sp – 5:00
12-10 – Bioneers Movie: The World According to Monsanto, Fren/Eng –
5:00
12-11 – The History of Mexico, Local actors and production, Doc – 5:00
Day for Night, Fren/Eng – 6:30

MM Cinemas
– For schedule www.mmcinemas.com or 120-4743

Movie Pocket Theater
– El Market Bistro, Hernández Macías 95 – 1:30, 4:00 & 7:00

Meditation Center of San Miguel, Callejón Blanco 4 (off Quebrada)
12-11 – Fearless Mountain – 5:30

Performing Arts

December 6 & 7
– Sibyl Lee English with pianist Jorge Estrada Avendano will give a pair of concerts keeping the jazz going after the festival in the Santa Ana Theater. English will raise money for the little girls in the Casa Hogar Santa Julia. The concert on the 6th is at 7:00; on the 7th, it begins at 5:00.

December 6 and 7
– The Pro Música Concert at St. Paul’s Church, Calle Cardo 6, will feature the Ehecalli Wind Quintet plus the pianist Ana Cervantes.

December 7
– At noon and 5:00, Athanor Theater Company will employ puppets and masks to present “Galardiela” at El Sindicato, Recreo 4.

December 10 and 17
- Pianist and Conductor Antonio Cabrero will give two separate concerts in Biblioteca Pública’s Sala Quetzal at 7:30. Entrance is at Reloj 50A.

December 11
- A concert by Sergio Basurto playing the folk harp and flamenco guitar will be in the Biblioteca Pública’s Sala Quetzal at 7:30. Entrance is at Reloj 50A.

December 19 thru 31
– Gilberto Munguia will return with his Música de Cámara Festival de San Miguel de Allende.
The Fine Arts Quartet will perform different works during their Música de Cámara Festival appearances on December 21, 23, 26 and 30. For further program information and tickets, go to Plaza Colonial, Canal 24 or call 152-8380.

Exhibitions and Openings

December 5
– Several of the galleries in Fábrica La Aurora had openings beginning at 5:00. Galería Atelier had an opening party for Jayden Romay, who employs fire to create his works. Jayden (age 16) is the son of Lavinia, SMA’s better known framers.

The Galería/Atelier opens a show of glasswork by Canadian artist David Sommers.

Generator Gallery opens a show of “Virgenes y Madonas,” featuring works by 12 national and local artists.

December 12
– The San Miguel Quilters, ten of them, will display and sell the works in the Bordello Gallery, Organos 19.

December 13 and 14
– The Casa de las Ranas in La Cieneguita will hold open house for the Art and Whimsey Holiday Sale of works and knickknacks by Anado McLauchlin and Patrice Wynne. Directions for getting there: Drive down Canal and continue past the stop light to the parking lot of the railway station. Bear left, and then to the right across the tracks, then immediately right onto the asphalt road. Continue, passing three curves and the straight into La Cieneguita. At the end of the paved road, turn right and straight to the Church. Make a dogleg right at the Church. Casa de Ranas is the colorful house on your left. Please park on the road.

December 13
– Some of SMA’s business women have had their photos taken by Skip Williams, and there is an opening of his work under the title “Las Dueñas” at Market Bistro, Hernández Macías 95, at 7:00.

December 14
– Atenea Gallery, Jesús 2, will have an opening from noon to 3:00 for Dede Schumacher’s paintings of “Majestic Mystery Horses.”

Workshops and Classes

Currently ongoing, Sunday mornings at 10:30 for about 45 minutes at the Los Frailes Plaza de Azulejo, Grandmaster Dr. Dan-Horia Chinda teaches Chi-Kung and Tai-chi Chuan focusing on simple exercises and the practical benefits of practice.

Ongoing classes in Hatha Yoga – Beginners meet Monday and Wednesdays from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. All levels meet on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:00 to 7:30. Classes are held at Hotel Casa Bonita, Calle Cardo 9. Further information at 152-1271.

December 6 and 7
- Writer, executive producer, producer Michael Grais and Writer Nancy Davis will give workshops on writing novels for the movies. For further information and registration, visit www.michaelgrais.com or http://writingmovienovels.blogspot.com

December 6 – 9
– Contact improvisation with instructor Mark Moti Zemelman, current professor of dance at the Bellas Artes in Mexico City is a workshop with live music to take place at Estudio de Danza Libelula, Plaza de San Antonio 10B, col. San Antonio. There will be no more than 12 persons admitted for the three hour sessions (from noon to 3:00). To register, contact Elsanne at 109-4982

December 13
– A workshop in the Quantum Collapse Process, (Spanish)
December 15
- A personal transformation course (English) which will be taught at the Holistic and Chiropractic Center, Vincente Araiza 12, Colonia La Lejona. For further information drjimstar@tuserinterior.com

Beginning in January, Dan-Horia Chinda will give weekly classes in bonsai with classes limited to 10 persons. For details email dan-horia@atelierdhc.com.