Open Circle
Dale Palfrey will present “Hocus-Pocus: Illusions of Magic Towns” at Open Circle Sunday, April 14, 10:30 a.m. at the Lake Chapala Society.
Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism originated the Pueblo Mágico program in 2001. As of this year, 177 localities nationwide and 11 in the state of Jalisco now hold the coveted title. What are the special attributes that lend enchantment to these places? What are the presumed benefits for these communities and are they actually living up to expectations? And how does Ajijic fit into the Magic Town scheme?
Local journalist and staff writer for the Guadalajara Reporter Dale Hoyt Palfrey, a 50-year resident of Lakeside, will address these questions, outline the respective roles of government and inhabitants and touch on other relevant issues. She will share her personal experiences and observations from visiting some of these destinations both before they were granted the Pueblo Mágico titles. She will also encourage audience participation in discussing the topic.
Earth Day celebration
Join Democrats Abroad Lake Chapala for a fun and informative gathering Monday, April 15 at 4 p.m.
See how eco experts Chris Robertson can help you decrease your Lakeside environmental footprint; tap into bamboo environmental solutions; (it’s bio-degradable, fastest growing grass ...a nd cleans the air by generating up to 50 percent more oxygen than other trees and plants) and even brush your teeth a better way (plus a surprise gift).
RSVP and get details now at shorturl.at/eDKNX. Questions? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
U.S. voter assistance
Need help requesting — and returning — your ballots for 2024 U.S. elections? Come to the Lake Chapala Society (LCS) Monday, April 15, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. The Vote From Abroad team can help. 2024 elections in progress now! Requesting or sending your ballots back right away is smarter. Especially if you can only return your ballot by snail mail. Questions? 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..
Cooking Club
The Lakeside Cooking Club meets Wednesday, April 17, 4 p.m. at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Calle San Jorge 250, in Riberas del Pilar. The theme is Easter Brunch Competition. Email Michele Lococo (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to register to cook savory or sweet, 40 bites. If you do not cook/present, the tasting menu costs 200 pesos. To sign up to attend only, 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..
Lakeside Freethinkers
The Lakeside Freethinkers will hold a virtual meeting on the Zoom platform Wednesday, April 17. Members and guests can sign in to hear about the new Student Aid Project, coordinated by member Lloyd Kumley. Pledges to meet the bi-annual goal of 10,000 pesos will be accepted for this worthy project to help local science students with their educational expenses.
Philosophy has been around for a long time, and some of the big problems it tackles remain unresolved. Indeed, some problems might be beyond human understanding. At the meeting the Freethinkers will also discuss one of the ten great philosophical questions that we may never solve.
If you are interested in participating, would like more information, or be placed on the Freethinkers mailing list, contact 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..
The Lakeside Freethinkers define a “freethinker” as a person who identifies himself or herself as an atheist, agnostic, secular humanist, or skeptic. They reject belief in the supernatural and rely on science and reason to guide their lives.
Chapala Birders
Thursday April 18, 8 a.m., the Lake Chapala Birders will meet at El Bajio in West 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. the Birders will head to Pancho’s West for breakfast and review the bird list.
How to get there: From Ajijic, go about two miles (3 km) west from the light at Colon, turn downhill for El Bajio (across from the west end of the large unfinished retirement community being redeveloped by Latitude/Margaritaville) and park immediately on the lateral road parallel to the Carretera.