Open Circle
Guanajuato Secretary of Tourism Juan Jose Alvarez Brunel will talk about the many interesting things to do and see in his state at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, September 18, 10:30 p.m. at the Lake Chapala Society.
It is rumored that Chapala Mayor Alejandro Aguirre will introduce Alvarez. Also at the event will be tour operators from Guanajuato, including one group offering a tour of the many vineyards there. It is possible that some wineries will offer samples at the event, but this is not yet confirmed, says LCS Development Director Diana Ayala
The 50th anniversary of the Festival Cervantino, which takes place October 12 to 30, offering a multitude of performers from 34 countries, will also be discussed.
Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato — where Padre Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called Mexicans to arms against the Spanish rulers in 1810 — recently celebrated 20 years as a Pueblo Magico.
Reservations are recommended on the LCS website opencircleajijic.org (click on Contact Us). Lake Chapala Society is located at 16 de Septiembre 16-a, Ajijic.
Vote From Abroad
The U.S. midterm elections are closer than you think — especially if you vote from Mexico.
This week’s big question: Have you requested your ballot yet?
If not, this is the week to do it. And the local Vote From Abroad (VFA) team can help.
VFA strongly recommends that everyone gets their request in no later than September 19.
That way, you should receive your ballot along with most everyone else the following week.
It’s all part of VFA’s September is Smarter! campaign. In fact, wrapping it up in September could even save you money on shipping costs.
To vote from home, get started by requesting your midterm ballot now at VoteFromAbroad.org.
Or for in-person help, visit the Vote From Abroad team at Lake Chapala Society on Monday, September 19 from 10 am–12:30 p.m.
Questions? Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Chapala Birders
Lake Chapala Birders is an informal group of bird observers led by John and Rosemary Keeling. Bird-walks are open to all those interested in birds, both beginners and experienced birders. Just bring binoculars. Information: chapalabirders.org.
Monday, September 19, the birders will meet at 8:15 a.m. at El Bajio on the west side of Ajijic. The group will walk down the lane to the lake, expecting to see a good variety of birds in the tall trees and fields. At about 10 a.m. all will head to Fonda Dona Lola for breakfast and to review the bird list.
How to get there: From Ajijic go about two miles west from the light at Colon, turn downhill at the sign for La Pueblita and park on the lateral road parallel to the Carretera.
Corazon Artesano returns
Jardín Casa Vieja welcomes the second edition of the Corazón Artesano creativity festival coming up Saturday and Sunday, September 24 and 25. Meet the exhibitors and look over their crafts products from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. There will be food and musical entertainment to enhance the ambience. Admission is free.
The garden venue is located on the service road in west Ajijic, between Blue Rose Bistro and Yves Restaurant.
Bridge Club News
The Lake Chapala Duplicate Bridge Club offers free lessons Fridays, 9 a.m. At 9:30 a.m. a regular bridge session limited to less experienced players — those with less than 300 master points — is held.
Several more experienced players play on occasion to assist with the learning process, but they cannot win points. Bridge is stimulating mentally and many mental health experts urge games such as bridge and chess to keep your brain active as time passes.
Join us at the Bridge Center next door to Mom’s Deli Tuesday and Thursday at 1:30 p.m.
Roll out the barrels
An Oktoberfest party, sponsored by ANAVETS Mexico Unit 19, is scheduled Thursday, October 6 at Mama’s Musical Bar. The menu is bratwurst, sauerkraut, fried potatoes, red cabbage, apple strudel or vegetarian quiche. Daniel Cordero will entertain. Tickets, 300 pesos, are available at Mama’s or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
American Legion
American Legion Post Seven begins game night (board games, card games, but no poker as that is played earlier in the day) Saturday, September 24, 4 p.m. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Some games are available at the Legion, including darts, corn hole, cards against humanity, and others. You can also bring your own games to play.
Tobolandia Dog Park
Although the Tobolandia water park has been closed for renovations, the Dog Park is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. One fan says there is lots of shade, benches and tables, trash cans, poop bags, and bowls of water. The park is well fenced. Bring a picnic and beverage and enjoy a day with your pooch. Prices are 30 pesos per day, 325 per month, 880 for three months, 1,600 per half year and 2,900 per year.