Open Circle
Bob Karstens will speak on “Confessions of an International Media Man: A Look Back” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, September 21, 10:30 a.m. at the Lake Chapala Society.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of modern news media, beginning in the 1950s. With warmth and candor, Karstens will reflect on a lifetime in the news business—his “love-hate affair” with media shaped by decades covering major events, from civil rights protests to the Vietnam War. Hear how the rise of color television, cable and digital platforms transformed journalism and public trust. This insider’s perspective highlights the critical role of press freedom in democracy.
Karstens, a veteran newscaster, anchored newscasts in Austin, Boston and Santa Maria, California, and collaborated with the National Film Board and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Montreal. Retired since 2016, he offers a reflective and compelling look at journalism’s changing landscape.
Democrats Abroad meet
Join your fellow U.S. citizens at the monthly meeting in Ajijic Monday, September 22, 4 p.m.
Free Presentation: Rights of Immigrants in the U.S., featuring Ari Sawyer, Frontera Foundation co-director.
Bring a friend or two—including your Mexican and Canadian friends and neighbors.
Location: La Bodega Restaurant, 16 de septiembre 124, Ajijic. Or attend via Zoom.
For details, type shorturl. at/N74RZ in your web browser.
U.S. Voter Assistance
Important U.S. elections are going on right now! Especially if you’re an AZ, CA, NJ, PA, TX or VA voter.
Need voter assistance? Go to Lake Chapala Society (LCS) Monday, September 22 or Monday, September 29, from 10 a.m. to noon. Time is running out— mark your calendar!
Certified Voter Assistance Officers will be available at LCS to help you both request and return your 2025 ballot the correct way.
Ready to take care of this yourself? Great! Then visit VoteFromAbroad.org immediately.
Octoberfest
American Legion Post 7 Auxiliary will hold an Octoberfest Beer Garden, with a German-style menu, music and dancing, Saturday, September 27, 2 to 6 p.m. Tickets are 400 pesos, available at the Legion Post. Drawings are scheduled at 5 p.m. This is a benefit for the Love in Action Home for Children.
Tech help
Each Wednesday, Ed Guat presents Laptop Smarts from 10 to 11 a.m. and Smartphone Smarts from 11 a.m. to noon, at Club Positivo, San Luis 217, Riberas del Pilar. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
Fun and games
• At LCS, play American Mah Jongg (experienced players only) on Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the NJ patio; contact Kim Kovach, 332-070-7189. A games group for board and card games meets same place, same day, from 1 to 4 p.m.; contact Robin Mills, 332-815-4969. Meanwhile, Scrabble for fun is on Fridays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ken Gosh Pavilion; contact Catherine Huff, 376-766-0938.
• Play music bingo Mexico on Thursdays, 6 p.m. at El Granero snack bar, next to the old train station in Chapala.
• Trivia is every Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. at the Iron Horse Bar and Grill in Riberas del Pilar.
• Mel’s Casa Social holds drop-in Newbie Pickleball clinics, 4 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, Zaragoza 44 in Ajijic.
• Play Bingo Thursdays, 1 to 2 p.m. at Club Positivo in Riberas del Pilar.
• The Huara Chess club gathers on Sundays, 1 to 2:30 p.m., on the Ajijic plaza.