Open Circle
Dr. Jorge Martinez Ponce De Leon presents “Addressing Marginalized Community Needs: Ojo del Agua” at Open Circle at the Lake Chapala Society, Sunday, May 18, 10:30 a.m.
This community health project operates in the village of Ojo de Agua, to the west of the town of Mezcala on the shore of Lake Chapala. This program began as an intervention aimed at addressing pathologies linked to climate change and ultimately empowered the population, particularly women who have been trained as community health workers. They have been the protagonists of this project, supporting their community, particularly those suffering from chronic illnesses. They are currently working with a lifestyle medicine approach, helping their community change habits with the goal of improving their health.
Dr. Martinez works as a medical doctor at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara. He holds a Master’s degree in Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid from the Carlos III University of Madrid. His experience includes work with international organizations such as UNAIDS, UNDP, the International Red Cross, Doctors of the World, and Partners in Health and has international work experience in Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, South America, the United States, and Mexico. His expertise is with global health and social medicine.
Dr. Jorge Martinez Ponce De Leon will speak at Open Circle Sunday, May 18.
A handmade quilt by The Island Quilters of Raft Island, Washington will be raffled as a benefit for the boys at Mama Cleo’s Boys home. Tickets, 100 pesos each or 6 for 500 pesos, will be available for purchase from May 20 to 29 at Mel’s Restaurant at Zaragoza 44 in Ajijic, Fresh Market at Hidalgo 466 in Riberas del Pilar and on Sundays, May 24 and 31 at the car wash done by the boys at the Little Chapel by the Lake. The drawing will be held May 31, 12:30 p.m. at the car wash.
Democrats Abroad
• Join the Lake Chapala chapter of Democrats Abroad at their Monthly Meeting Monday, May 19 at 4 p.m. at La Bodega Restaurant, 16 de Septiembre 124 in Ajijic. All Dems Abroad members and their guests are welcome!
Special focus of the meeting: the latest local and U.S. political news—plus a Computer and Cell Phone Mini Clinic. Be sure to bring your laptop or cell phone.
You’ll get help in small groups with Quick Fixes for Your Email, Web, QR Codes, Calling Your Senators and more. All designed to make it easier to keep up with DA Lake Chapala events and beyond.
You’ll also have a chance to practice on your own device.
• May 26, DA will hold a coffee and conversation meeting at Pranzo Bistro in La Floresta, May 26, 10 a.m. If you haven’t already, you can request your 2025 ballots at this event. Upcoming elections include May 20 in Pennsylvania, June 10 in New Jersey and June 17 in Virginia.
• DA reminds you to keep calling your two senators, your House representative and other elected officials to stop funding cuts to NPR and PBS, to stop the S.A.V.E. Voter Suppression Act and register your opinion on the 2026 Trump budget plan which slashes spending on many government programs. Do this via 5Calls.org.
How many residents can remember when bathing in the lake was considered safe? Probably very few. Sadly, several decades have passed since those days. Now, with the May heat settling in, the idea of traveling back in time to that simpler era sounds especially tempting, doesn’t it?
Canadians to celebrate
• The Canadian Veterans Support Association will hold a Canada Day celebration Tuesday, July 1, 3-7 p.m. at El Pilar Bistro, Carretera 261 in Riberas del Pilar. Music for dancing by The Crooners and their band, the Blue Cadillacs. A three-course gourmet meal will feature specialties from across Canada. Tickets, 400 pesos, are available at El Pilar Bistro, It’s Kinda Bazzar, John Kelly, 331-758-0676 or Sandy Nichol, 376-765-6329.
• A Canada Day event organized by ANAVETS Unit 19 will take place Tuesday, July 1, 1 to 5 p.m. at La Palapa del Guayabo located at the Chapala waterfront. It will feature live music by Gargamel Rock and Roll Band, food service of deluxe burgers, a liquor basket raffle and 50/50 draw, and a cash bar. Tickets, 350 pesos, can be purchased via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">anavetsmexico@gmail.com.