Open Circle
“Searching for Neill James, a moderated panel discussion from those who knew her best” is the topic of the next Open Circle meeting at the Lake Chapala Society on Sunday, January 12, at 10:30 a.m.
As her 130th birth year is celebrated throughout 2025, this talk will illuminate Ms. James’ Ajijic life using testimonials from her expatriate and Mexican neighbors, fond memories from legacy artists who were taken under her wing decades ago, and James’s own writing.
This day of remembrance will include music and dance performances, food, children’s art exhibits and a birthday cake celebration.
Lakeside Freethinkers
The monthly meeting of the Lakeside Freethinkers (LFT) will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, January 14, at a restaurant in West Ajijic. A “freethinker” is one who thinks independently of dogma, tradition, or established belief, and includes atheists, agnostics, secular humanists and other skeptics who reject belief in the supernatural.
The meeting format will be two-fold. First, there will be an opportunity for attendees to talk about their own journeys relating to their personal beliefs; and secondly, the new LFT president will lead a discussion about the widespread movement toward authoritarianism, with a special focus on the United States and Mexico, and how such a trend might affect Freethinkers.
If you are interested in attending the meeting or would like more information 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
Friday January 17, the Lake Chapala Birders will meet team leader Tom Bravo at 8 a.m. at the “Sculpture” at the only traffic light in La Floresta and leave immediately to bird the Pumping Station area east of Chapala. Expect to see a good variety of shore birds and other species in the scrub and tall trees. At around 10:15 a.m. the group will go for breakfast to La Palapa de Don Juan in Chapala. You must reserve by emailing Tom Bravo at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least two days ahead of time and indicate if you can bring a vehicle and can take others, or if you would like to be a passenger.
Vintage films
Friday, January 17, 6:30 p.m., the 1971 cult classic “Harold and Maude” will be screened by FilmPeople Lakeside during its Casa Hollywood Film Night at La Mora 24, five blocks from the San Antonio Tlayacapan plaza. Harold, a young man obsessed with death, changes his perspective after he meets and falls in love with Maude, a lively and elderly woman, who teaches him how to live life to the fullest.
Suggested donation is 150 pesos, which includes sips and nibbles, intro and post-film discussion guided by Chris Gyorgy. Seating is limited. Reserve your seat by contacting Gyorgy 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..
Events
The 3rd Annual Coffee, Chocolate, and Wine Festival returns to the Ajijic Malecón on Friday and Saturday, January 18 and 19.
The festival will feature three different tastings/pairings each day. The schedule is as follows: Wine and cheese at 3:45 p.m.; Wine and chocolate from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. and 5 to 5:45 p.m.; Mezcal and cheese from 6:15 to 7 p.m.
Each pairing includes three beverages and three cheeses or chocolates. The cost for each pairing is 480 pesos.
Reservations at FestivalDelCafeChocolateYVino.com.