Coffee and conversation
Join Democrats Abroad for a coffee and conversation event on Saturday, January 18, at 11 a.m. at the Jardín Plaza Restaurant in Ajijic.
Discussions will include the single most important action you can take in this political moment and practical self-care tips.
A special guest from the Heart of Awareness Buddhist Community will join the event.
Open Circle
Dr. Omar Rojas will present “The Paradigms of Cellular Treatments” at the next Open Circle meeting on Sunday, January 19, 10:30 a.m. at the Lake Chapala Society.
The talk will explore how stem cell treatments work, their applications, and proper methods of use.
Dr. Rojas is a physician, surgeon and midwife from the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP). Certified in cellular therapies with mesenchymal stem cells, he is the medical director of CKM Research Mexico in Cancún.
Dr. Rojas also provides health training at hotels in Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Los Cabos.
Go Irish!
Watch Ohio State take on Notre Dame in the College Football Championship Game at the American Legion on Monday, January 20, 6:30 p.m.
Guests are welcome to bring their own food. The bar will remain open until 8 p.m., with buckets of six beers or a bottle of wine available for 200 pesos. Come and cheer for your favorite team!
U.S. Voter Assistance
The Vote from Abroad team will be available on Monday, January 20 (Martin Luther King Day), from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lake Chapala Society to help you request your 2025 U.S. ballots.
You can also request your ballots online at VoteFromAbroad.org. One request covers all elections in 2025, a crucial year for state and special elections in Florida, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Wisconsin and beyond.
Every vote matters—these special elections and state elections for governors, House of Representatives and others may be decided by very few votes.
For 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..
Health notes
• Free Pneumococcal Vaccines: Available at the Lake Chapala Society on Friday, January 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Tetanus Shots: Free for those 15 and older at local public health clinics (Centros de Salud).
• Daily Body Ergonomics Workshop: Sophie Hawkins will share tips on reducing wear and tear through daily ergonomics on Monday, January 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Cost: 560 pesos. Register and pay on the LCS website.
Ask an Expat
Curious about life at Lakeside or thinking of moving here? Where can you get answers to your questions? What should be your questions?
Ask an Expat Happy Hour kicks off Tuesday, January 21, at 4:30 p.m. at Casa Del Sol (Javier Mina 7, Ajijic).
Led by Steve Taylor, the session will include a general Q&A and his “10 Expat Commandments” for visitors, new residents, and long-term expats. No reservations are needed, and Casa Del Sol’s cash bar will be open.
Steve and his wife moved to Lakeside in 2022, first renting in Riberas del Pilar and now owning a home in San Antonio’s lower Chula Vista neighborhood.
“This is a conversation and learning opportunity, not a lecture,” Steve says. “I encourage participants to take notes and learn what they can do to make their stay enjoyable.”
For more information, text Steve at +1 (512) 921-6150.
New Friday Market
A new Farmers Market will debut on Friday, January 24, 10 a.m. at the West Ajijic Tuesday Market venue. Organizers report that 88 vendors are registered, including many familiar faces from the Tuesday market.
Real Estate Expo
A Real Estate Expo and Forum will take place on Friday and Saturday, January 24 and 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Antigua Presidencia (Madero 226, corner of Hidalgo, Chapala). For details, call 332-843-3481.
Chapala Birders
The Lake Chapala Birders will meet on Monday, January 27, 8 a.m. at the “Sculpture” traffic light in La Floresta. The group will carpool to Mexcala Mountain (a 60-minute drive) for a one-mile (1.5 km) hike along the mountain trail.
Bring snacks for the 11 a.m. break. Expect to get back to Ajijic by 1 p.m. Other pick-up points can be arranged between Ajijic and Mezcala.
If you plan to go, email John Keeling at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least two days in advance and indicate if you can provide transportation or need a ride.
Democrats Abroad
Democrats Abroad Lake Chapala’s Book Club will meet on Monday, January 27, 9:30 a.m. at Yves’ Restaurant. This month’s book is Hillary Clinton’s “Something Lost, Something Gained.”
Reserve your spot by emailing 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..
Wine Lovers
The fifth VidForum Wine Festival will be held at the Chapala Yacht Club on February 8 and 9. The event runs from 1:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 1:30 to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Tastings of more than 50 wines will be held on Saturday until 7 p.m. and on Sunday until 6 p.m.
Enjoy live music and crafts, plus gourmet cheeses, breads and dishes from five top local restaurants.
You can also meet Mexico’s leading wineries and wine experts in this must-attend celebration of fine wine.
Games
• Euchre: The American Legion Post 7 Chapala hosts tournament-style Euchre games every Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. Entrance fee: 100 pesos. Prizes are awarded to the top three players. (Morelos 114, Chapala)
• Trivia Night: Held every Wednesday at 6 p.m. by BrainBenders at The Cocktail Bar (Constitución 32, Ajijic). Teams of up to six can compete for prizes—200 pesos off the bill for first place, 100 pesos for second.
• Bingo: Play every Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Doña Lola Restaurant (across from Waffle House on the Carretera). Proceeds benefit local charities.