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Written by GR Staff
Saturday, 05 January 2008
Dear Sir, I would like to thank Andrew Meyers for articulating so well what I, for one, feel regarding the proposed expansion of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS) grounds and services. My husband and I have been members of LCS for 11 years. To name a few of the most valuable services LCS provides: dispensing essential information to and providing a friendly and welcoming gathering place for newcomers and current residents; an art school for children; library; school and scholarship program for Mexican children and adults; info about insurance in Mexico, and let us not forget my favorite: the "Post Life Planning" program, (known informally among some old-timers as "The Croaking in Mexico Plan.") I have noticed over the years that each succeeding LCS president and administration endeavors to leave some lasting tribute to themselves. Grandiose plans seem to fail. One past president proposed a new library. Nice thought, but where were the funds supposed to come from? Obviously, the new library never materialized. I'm always surprised and grateful for the great books on sale for a pittance on the table outside the library of multiple copies or damaged books because they need to make room. Some seriously worthwhile projects have had very positive impacts and were worth the cost, such as the gazebo built (credit Mary Alice Sargent) a few years ago, which is not only functional but lovely, as are the new patios, coffee and snack bars, and improvement of the grounds during Charlie Smith's tenure. That said, this new expansion dream, accompanied by dire warnings of hordes of expats breaking down the doors, is just pure nonsense and silly. First of all, those membership numbers quoted are suspect. I've never walked in the LCS where I've been "butt to elbow" with anyone. Exactly how many people come and go to the LCS each day? That's the crucial question. How many of those members are people who live here only a few months of the year? How many people parking and clogging the streets around the LCS are the volunteers and staff and people who live and work on the surrounding streets? Which brings us to the question of where is everyone going to park if the Wilkes school is integrated with the LCS grounds and the proposed improvements are actually implemented? Has it occurred to anyone that the lack of parking limits and actually controls the stream of bodies coming and going? Between my husband and I, we probably step foot on LCS ground about ten times a year. We would be willing to pay a small increase in annual membership fees if the monies were used for improvement of existing structures and LCS Administrative costs. Please remember that many in the expatriate community are not wealthy and very much appreciate the services LCS provides. If costly construction is undertaken, many will not be able to afford the annual dues and LCS will lose the very members who are ardent supporters and year-round residents. I suggest LCS adopt the motto: KISS (And you all know what that means.) Sally Pence, Chula Vista