Festivities honoring Chapala’s patron saint St. Francis of Assisi got underway this week and will continue daily through October 4.

Family fun, fabulous food and a spirit of international friendship were the hallmarks of the second annual Mexican Independence Day fiesta jointly hosted by Manix restaurant and the Lake Chapala Society.

Friends of longtime Ajijic resident Tod Jonson, who is recovering from a heart attack, are seeking donations to help offset his medical expenses.

Lakeside residents hankering for more hoopla after this weekend’s Mexican Independence festivities will find what they’re looking for in San Antonio Tlayacapan. In keeping with local custom, the town has slated its patriotic partying a week later than usual.

The Lake Chapala Jewish Congregation sees the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as an ideal time for Jews in the Lakeside area to come together.

Norma Cannon, president-elect of the Ajijic Rotary Club for 2013, has stepped up to the office early following the resignation of Gary Fuller in August.