Chapala Library touch-up
Charlsie Kelly is putting out a call to artists and non-artists to help restore and freshen up the Biblioteca Paula Real López in Chapala. The project will run Thursday through Saturday, September 25–27, and will involve repainting, wall repairs and other needed maintenance.
“I will supply as much as I can come up with paint-wise and will have aprons, brushes, etc. on hand,” said Kelly. “But I’m certainly hoping for donations of paint or even pesos to help fund the supplies.”
She added: “I learned a few years ago that the library is funded in thirds—city, state, and federal governments—each covering specific expenses, such as payroll. But certain things fall through the cracks, such as exterior maintenance, drinking water, and even toilet paper, which employees often pay for out of their own pockets. Donations of those items are always welcome.”
Octoberfest at the Legion
American Legion Post 7 Auxiliary will hold an Oktoberfest Beer Garden with a German-style menu, music, and dancing on Saturday, September 27, from 2 to 6 p.m. Tickets, 400 pesos, are available at the Legion Post. Drawings are scheduled at 5 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Love in Action Home for Children.
Open Circle
Nancy Tipaldi will speak on “You and Your Community: The Joys and Benefits of Volunteering” at the next Open Circle meeting, Sunday, September 28, 10:30 a.m. at the Lake Chapala Society.
Giving back comes naturally to some, and living abroad often exposes us to societal challenges during a stage of life when priorities may shift. Are you looking for a calling or cause that’s personally fulfilling while also broadening your “up north” worldview?
Tipaldi will share the personal benefits of volunteering, highlight community impact, and reflect on differences she has seen between Mazatlán and Ajijic in areas such as animal shelters, orphanages, English programs and even cruise ship volunteering.
A New Jersey native, Tipaldi is retired and has lived in Mazatlán for 14 years, while spending extended stays in Ajijic for the past seven.
Tarahumara donations
Longtime Lakeside resident Libby Townsend is preparing for her annual trek to the Copper Canyon to deliver blankets and warm clothing to the Tarahumara people.
Townsend has made more than 24 trips since 2007, loading her truck with donations for the free Tarahumara Children’s Hospital and Indigenous School. Her load consists of important items to relieve the misery of the extreme winter cold endured by a people often living under stone outcroppings from the canyon walls.
She says: “I am just a conduit for the generosity of the people of Lakeside. Without them, I couldn’t do this. I truly feel this is my calling, my life’s work, my purpose. I owe it all to Lakeside and its generosity.”
Donations of warm clothing, blankets, school supplies, and gas money are needed. Items such as coats, sweaters, sweatshirts, ponchos, shawls, hats, mittens, scarves and flannel shirts are especially useful.
Donations may be dropped off at The Guadalajara Reporter office in Plaza Bugambilias, Ajijic (Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.) or by calling Townsend at 331-074-3311 to arrange pickup. The truck leaves Lakeside on October 15.
U.S. Voter Assistance
U.S. elections are underway—especially for voters from California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia.
Certified Voter Assistance Officers will be available at the Lake Chapala Society on Monday, September 29, from 10 a.m. to noon, to help you request and return your 2025 ballot correctly.
Prefer to handle it yourself? Visit VoteFromAbroad.org immediately.
Spirit Social fundraiser
Tickets are on sale now for “The Spirit Social,” a pre–Day of the Dead/Halloween event, set for Saturday, October 25, 5 to 7:30 p.m., at Casa Del Sol Inn, Gallery and Bar, Javier Mina 7, Ajijic.
The fundraiser will benefit Niños Incapacitados, a volunteer nonprofit that helps Mexican families cover medical expenses for children with serious disabilities or life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, convulsions or brain injuries.
Guests will enjoy free handmade hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary margarita. Additional drinks will be available for purchase. A costume contest, raffles, ghost stories, and music by DJ Ron Canuel will round out the evening in Casa Del Sol’s downstairs atrium.
Tickets, 600 pesos, are available until Wednesday, October 25, at programaninos.com.