Open Circle
Lori Brown will speak about her life Sunday, July 9, 10:30 a.m. at Open Circle, inside the Lake Chapala Society.
Lori has just published a book titled “Don’t Lose Hope,” recounting her life experiences. Lori’s story is a remarkable one, filled with unimaginable hardships and incredible resilience. As a young Cambodian girl forced to run her family farm from the age of 12 due to her father’s alcoholism, she faced challenges that many of us could never imagine.
At 24 years old, Lori found herself reduced to slavery in the killing fields of Cambodia for four painful years. Despite this, she never gave up hope and eventually made the difficult decision to escape by foot, walking out of Cambodia with her two young children to save their lives.
Today, Lori is an inspiration to many, a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope in the face of adversity.
Registration is encouraged: opencircleajijic.org.
Rotary change
The Rotary Club of Ajijic now meets Tuesdays at La Bodega Ajijic, Calle 16 de Septiembre 124, with a lunch at noon and meeting at 1 p.m.
Chapala Birders
Tuesday July 11, the Lake Chapala Birders will meet at 8:15 a.m. at the entrance to Cristiania Park in Chapala. Expect to see an interesting selection of species in the park and on the shore of the lake. At about 10 a.m., the group will go to La Palapa de Don Juan for breakfast and complete the bird list.
How to Get There: From Ajijic go to the traffic light at the main street of Chapala (Av. Madero), cross straight over and keep going straight for five blocks, turn left at the T intersection and park on the right, near the park entrance.
Bird walks are open to all those interested in birds, both beginners and experienced birders. Just bring binoculars. There are always knowledgeable birders on hand to identify species.
Saving Democracy
Next up in Democrats Abroad Lake Chapala’s Third Monday Meetup series: A timely online discussion about U.S. Democracy, on July 17 at 4 p.m.
Well-known political author David Pepper will present practical action steps and inspiration—to push back against the anti-democratic forces in the United States and their tactics. His latest book, “Saving Democracy,” was released in May.
Pepper is a lawyer, writer, political activist, former elected official and served as chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party from 2015 to 2021.
He has written several books, including “Laboratories of Autocracy,” about the countrywide attack on U.S. democracy. Pepper also appeared in “All In,” the documentary highlighting activist Stacey Abrams’ fight for U.S. voting rights.
For more details—and to RSVP and buy tickets—visit democratsabroad.org/312781/july_17_meetup_saving_democracy.
Proceeds support Democrats Abroad 2023-24 voter assistance and get out the vote activities.
Games
• The Lake Chapala Duplicate Bridge Club meets at Hotel Sol y Luna, Rio Bravo 10 in Ajijic for open pairs games Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:15 p.m. and Fridays, 9 a.m. to lessons and 9:30 a.m. for 0-499 games. See brdgewebs.com/lakechapala for more detailed information.
• The Huara Chess Club meets Tuesdays, 7 p.m. at La Alemana, Hidalgo 339 in Chapala.
• Gringo Bingo is every Thursday, 3 to 6 p.m. at the Iron Horse Saloon, Hidalgo 78 in Riberas del Pilar.
• Bingolago is every Wednesday, 1 p.m. at El Sombrero, on the highway in Ajijic.
• Pickleball drop in for beginners is every Monday, 4 to 6 p.m. at Mel’s Casa Social, Zaragoza 44 in Ajijic.
• Drop in play for beginners to advanced pickleball enthusiast is on six courts at Hotel Real de Chapala in La Floresta, Monday, Wednesday and Fridays and at six courts at Hotel Monte Carlo in Chapala, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; all begin around 8:30 p.m.
• American Mah Jongg for experienced players is Mondays, 2 to 4 p.m. and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lake Chapala Society (LCS members only, no classes given). Contact Kim Kovach, 332-070-7189 for more info.
• Group games: LCS members play board games (bring your own) at the Ken Gosh Pavilion or Neill James Patio, Thursdays, 1 to 4 p.m.