World Water Festival
Leading up to the World Water Festival at Lake Hamana, Japan in October, here at Lakeside a celebration of “Thanks to the Water of the Chapala Ribera” will be conducted at the Ajijic Malecon Sunday, September 25, with a tambourine circle at 10 a.m.
Participants may give ritual offerings of cacao, flowers, tobacco, a dance, music or song, beginning 11 a.m.
Open Circle
Humorist, author, actor and Guadalajara Reporter columnist Ed Tasca will talk about “The Puzzling Dissonance of Mexican National Identity” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, September 25, 10:30 p.m. at the Lake Chapala Society.
This presentation is about how Mexico became Mexico, the story of Hernan Cortes and the seminal events that created what we now know as Mexican culture and national character. It is a nation that is uniquely Hispanic but has rejected its Hispanic identity for over five hundred years while stubbornly clinging to a rich indigenous culture and roots.
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.
Corazon Artesano
Jardín Casa Vieja will hold the second edition of the Corazón Artesano creativity festival Saturday and Sunday, September 24 and 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be food and musical entertainment. Admission is free of charge. The garden venue is located on the service road off Calle Rio Bravo in west Ajijic, between Blue Rose Bistro and Yves. (See story page 11.)
Vote From Abroad
U.S. Ballot Return Week—September 26 to 30—is here! And that means Vote From Abroad will expand its voter assistance this coming week to provide even more help.
Important: If you already requested your ballot via Vote From Abroad, watch for it in your email this weekend. Times may vary by a day or two for your state.
Once you receive your ballot, return it by September 30. Strongly recommended! Remember, voting from Mexico takes more time.
And given new voting requirements in many states, it’s important to leave plenty of time if your state requires you to correct your ballot in some way.
Have questions? Vote From Abroad can help you this Saturday at the Chapala Malecon, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Or visit us at the Lake Chapala Society September 26, 27 or 30 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Still need to request your ballot? Go to VoteFromAbroad.org.
For more details, email: 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..
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.
Tuesday, September 27, the birders will meet at 8 a.m. at the Sculpture in La Floresta, in front of Restaurant Pranzo, departing immediately for Villa Corona on Lake Atotonilco (a 60-minute drive). Expect to see various shore birds such as white-faced ibis and roseate spoonbill.
Bring your own mid-morning refreshments for a break at 11 a.m. The return to Ajijic will be about 1:30 p.m.
If you plan on going, email John Keeling at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least 48 hours ahead of time to help with carpool planning.
Roll out the barrels
An Oktoberfest party, sponsored by ANAVETS Mexico Unit 19, is scheduled for Thursday, October 6 at Mama’s Musical Bar. The menu is bratwurst and 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..
Canadian Thanksgiving
The Canadian Veterans Support Association (CVSA) is derived from the old Royal Canadian Legion. CVSA provides assistance to all military veterans. CVSA is also involved with community activities and provides help where needed.
The organization holds a number of activities to celebrate Canadian events such as Canada Day, Remembrance Day and Thanksgiving Day, in order to keep Canadian heritage alive at Lakeside.
CVSA facilitates dealings with government officials and departments, both Canadian and Mexican, for its members. It participates in the Christmas Posada for Kids with Cancer, the annual Christmas Parades, and works closely with community groups providing assistance, including to Corazon a Corazon Por La Communidad, which provides multiple low-cost services for the poor: training programs, a dentist, homeopathic and naturopathic doctors, computer training, pharmacy, food packages, and much more.
CVSA is open to everyone who wishes to help. Join them every Friday at noon at Sunrise Restaurant in San Antonio Tlayacapan.
Come and elebrate a traditional Canadian Thanksgiving dinner at Sunrise on Monday, October 10, with a social hour beginning 2 p.m. and dinner served 3 p.m. Entertainment will be by Abby Rivera. Tickets, 350 pesos, are available at Kinda Bazaar in Riberas del Pilar or call John Kelly at 331-758-0676.
NFL Football
American Legion Post 7 Chapala has two 55-inch TVs and the NFL cable package. Games start Sundays, noon and depending on the late game and who’s playing, and if enough people want to stay and watch, they will stay later as long as there are no other engagements planned. Same things goes for Monday and Thursday night games.
Dog gone fishing!
The Ranch, a no-kill dog shelter that has provided a safe haven for dogs since 2001, is holding a dinner/dance fundraiser, Monday, October 17, 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Garden of Dreams B&B, Constitucion 105 in Ajijic. Lick your fingers on a catfish fry and then dance to the Traficantes del Ritmo. Tickets, 575 pesos, are available at 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.. B&B rooms are available. Shuttle service is available at the event.