Open Circle
Peter Jeschofnig presents “Artificial Intelligence: Our Smartest New Assistant” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, August 31, 10:30 a.m. in the garden of the Lake Chapala Society.
AI is everywhere—and it’s not just for tech experts. Jeschofnig explores how AI tools like ChatGPT can become everyday assistants, helping with writing, problem-solving, learning, and more. After a brief overview of AI’s role in modern life, Jeschofnig and his wife Linda will present a live Q&A demonstration using real questions and AI-generated answers. Come curious! Jeschofnig grew up in Vienna, Austria, and traveled widely in his youth—including volunteering with Dr. Albert Schweitzer in Gabon—before moving to the U.S. to study geology and archaeology. He later worked globally as a petroleum geologist, then earned advanced degrees in science education and taught chemistry and physics for over 20 years in Colorado. A two-time Fulbright professor in Ethiopia and Namibia, he has long been active in Rotary and continues with wife Linda to support global service projects.
BBQ Fiesta
The 11th annual BBQ Fiesta at Rangers in El Salto will take place on Sunday, August 31. Rangers donates 100 percent of ticket sales to La Ola Girls’ Home and Mama Cleo’s Boys’ Home. A 700-peso ticket includes a generous plate of brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, wings, dessert, and one drink. Guest pit masters from four top Texas BBQ joints will be featured, along with live music from Jimmy Baquero and the Bluesbird Band. VIP passes (3,000 pesos) include exclusive access to the pitmaster area on both days.
Last year the event raised 337,000 pesos for La Ola.
Tickets available from Rangers BBQ owner Juan Mata via WhatsApp at 332- 184-6120 and from the girls of La Ola, who are outside SuperLake. Or you can just show up and buy a ticket there.
Zombies to dance
The 15th anniversary of Thrill the World Ajijic is on Saturday, October 25, with a 4 p.m. showtime at the Ajijic Malecón.
Rehearsals for the zombie dance team will begin on Saturday, August 30, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the third-floor dance studio at Plaza Bugambilias shopping complex. Practice sessions will continue every Wednesday and Saturday at the same time and location until the show date. No previous dance experience is required.
This year, funds raised from Thrill The World will go to Chapala’s American Legion Post 7 to support the Escuela Francisco Medina Ascencio (Blue School) for disabled children, the Love In Action home for girls, the Smile campaign, assistance for children with diabetes, and the Chapala Protección Civil y Bomberos Unit.
School supplies needed
• Anavets is collecting school supplies for kids in the Francisco Medina Ascencio school (The Blue School). Needed are pens, pencils, crayons, construction paper, glue, scissors, etc. Drop off is Thursdays at Anavet’s weekly lunch or Monday to Friday, 4 to 9 p.m. at Johnny’s Lounge, Gonzalez Gallo 86 in San Antonio.
• Becky Plinke, who heads La Ola Girls Home is also looking for school supplies. She will be at Black Coffee Saturday, August 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at the Rangers BBQ event in El Salto on Sunday, August 31.
Legion community event
The American Legion Auxiliary invites the community to an elegant evening of music, martinis and fine charcuterie on Friday, October 8, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the American Legion, located at Morelos 114 in Chapala.
Guests will enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere with live jazz and blues performed by Jennifer, paired perfectly with crafted martinis and delicious charcuterie boards.
No tickets are required—everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy a night of friendship, flavor, and live music.
The Auxiliary continues its mission of supporting the local community, and gatherings like this bring neighbors together in celebration and camaraderie. Please note: service and support dogs only are permitted.
Chess tourney
Register now for the 7th annual Maestros del Lago Chess Tournament to be held at the Lake Chapala Society, Sunday, November 16. To register, go to bit.ly/registrohuarachess.