Open Circle
Patricia Rosas Chavez will present “Lake Chapala Higher Education” at the next Open Circle meeting on Sunday, August 17, at 10 a.m. at the Lake Chapala Society.
How will an ambitious expansion of higher education impact our community? In 2024, plans were announced for a University Center of Chapala, focusing on teaching, research, technology development, and cultural diffusion. This center promises to significantly impact educational attainment and socio-economic development in the region for future generations.
Rosas Chavez is the Executive Coordinator of the University Center of Chapala (CU Chapala), which will oversee the development of higher education across a wide range of academic and research fields on land between Ajijic and Chapala.
Democrats Abroad
Democrats Abroad Lake Chapala will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, August 18, 4 p.m. at La Bodega Restaurant, located at 16 de Septiembre 124 in Ajijic. The topic will be “On the Chopping Block—U.S. Birthright & Naturalized Citizenship,” presented by author and journalist Egberto Willies, a naturalized U.S. citizen himself. For more details, visit: shorturl.at/Fa0UG.
Feel free to bring a friend (or two)—including your Mexican and Canadian neighbors!
Freethinkers
The Lakeside Freethinkers’ monthly meeting will be held via Zoom at 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 21. A group member will discuss Albert Einstein’s views on “God,” which were deeply influenced by the 17th-century philosopher Baruch Spinoza. Spinoza’s ideas paved the way for later philosophers to challenge traditional Judeo-Christian concepts of Heaven, Hell, and God.
After the presentation, the group Chair will give an update on the university student sponsored by the Lakeside Freethinkers.A “freethinker” is one who thinks independently of tradition, dogma or established belief, and includes atheists, agnostics, secular humanists and other skeptics who reject belief in the supernatural.
If you’re interested in attending or learning more, 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..">.
Singalong
Cindy Paul will host a 60s solos and singalongs event at her New Freedom Mini-Cabaret and Dinner Show on Saturday, August 23, 3:30 p.m. at Club Positivo, San Luis 217, Riberas del Pilar. Tickets are 150 pesos, which includes a light meal and a fun show. To reserve, 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
Meet team leaders Robert and Mugs McConnell at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, August 26, at the “Sculpture” in La Floresta for a birdwatching excursion to the Rosa Amarilla Loop on the south side of the lake. The 60-minute drive offers the opportunity to spot a variety of grassland birds and possibly a white-tailed hawk.
Bring refreshments for a morning coffee break and a 12:30 p.m. lunch. Expect to return to Ajijic around 4 p.m.
Reserve your spot by emailing Robert at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least five days in advance. Note that only four cars can participate to avoid congestion. Each passenger contributes 300 pesos for gas and tolls.
Pig Roast
Join the American Legion Post in Chapala, together with the Sons of the American Legion, for a Labor Day pig roast on Monday, September 1. Enjoy roasted pig or chicken with baked beans, potato salad, rolls and dessert (vegetarian option available). Music by What the Funk and Jennifer.
Tickets are 400 pesos. Service dogs only. 50/50 raffles. Doors open at 1 p.m., with dinner served at 3 p.m. Proceeds support Legion upgrades and the Charales de Chapala soccer team.
ANAVETS
ANAVETS Mexico (the Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans Association in Canada) will celebrate its 5th anniversary with a dinner/dance on Friday, September 5, 4 p.m. at Scallion Bistro. The event will feature music by Gargamel and a happy hour.
Tickets, 400 pesos, available at Mama’s Musical Bar on Thursdays from noon to 2 p.m. Dress code: semi-formal. For 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..">.
Spanish Classes
A ten-week Spanish in Action workshop begins at the Lake Chapala Society on September 8. This course, open to both members and non-members, covers all levels from basic to advanced, with an emphasis on reading, writing, speaking and listening.
The course includes books and teaching materials, with 20 sessions (two hours each) held twice a week. A trial is available.
Member fee: 3,450 pesos; general fee: 4,930 pesos. For 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..">.
Murder Mystery Dinner
Enjoy a Murder Mystery Dinner — in which “everyone’s a suspect” — to raise funds for Niños Incapacitados on Wednesday, September 10, 5 p.m. at La Paceña Restaurant, Hidalgo 158 in San Antonio Tlayacapan.
Tickets are 1,000 pesos and include a choice of meal. They can be purchased at www.programaninos.com.
Niños Incapacitados is a non-profit organization that assists Mexican families in need of financial aid to cover medical expenses for their children who are battling serious or life-threatening illnesses.
Tlaquepaque Trip
The Lake Chapala Society is organizing a day trip to Tlaquepaque, one of Mexico’s most charming Pueblos Mágicos. Stroll through colorful streets, explore art galleries, enjoy mariachi music and admire colonial architecture. Finish the day with traditional Mexican cuisine in this vibrant town full of culture.
Date: Friday, September 12. Bus departs from the Floresta Sculpture at 10 a.m.; return at 5 p.m.
LCS members enjoy a 30-percent discount. Get tickets at bit.ly/40ZOPwK.
Karaoke
Join Raul Alonzo for karaoke every Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Manix II Restaurant, Carretera Poniente 111. For more info, call 376-766-0061.