Open Circle
Steven Nousen will present “Ben Franklin Reflections” on Sunday, January 11, 10:15 a.m., at Open Circle at the Lake Chapala Society.
Dr. Benjamin Franklin (Steven Nousen) returns to Open Circle with a special presentation set in the Pennsylvania State House on July 4, 1776. Aware that he may not live to see another Independence Day, the 83-year-old Franklin will reflect on the extraordinary progress the young nation has made over the past 13 years. Join Dr. Franklin as the United States starts the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Nousen, an award-winning teacher and lobbyist, has called Ajijic home for the past seven years. For most of the 21st century, he has been stepping into the shoes of Benjamin Franklin. From the Library of Congress to the National Geographic Society, Steven has shared Franklin’s wit, wisdom, and larger-than-life personality with audiences across the U.S. and here at Lakeside.
Vintage flicks
Casa Hollywood is showing Frank Capra’s magic realism masterpiece“Lost Horizon” on Friday, January 9, 7 p.m. at Casa Hollywood, La Mora 24, five blocks from the San Antonio Tlayacapan plaza.
A suggested donation is 150 pesos, which includes sips and nibbles, and an intro and post-film discussion guided by Chris Gyorgy. Seating is limited. Reserve your seat by contacting Gyorgy at chrisgyorgy@ gmail.com.
Democrats Abroad
• Monday, January 12, Democrats Abroad will be at LCS from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Voter Assistance.
• Thursday, January 15, join local Democrats for Coffee and Conversation, 10 a.m. at Yves’ Restaurant, Carretera Pte. 493 in West Ajijic.
• Saturday, January 17, Come to the No Tyrants/Your Vote Matters Rally on the Ajijic Plaza, 2:30 p.m.
Chapala Birders
Wednesday, January 14, meet team leader Jules Evens at 8 a.m. at the sculpture at the traffic light in La Floresta, leaving immediately for the Estacion de Bombeo (pumping station), 14 km east, just beyond Santa Cruz de la Soledad. Expect to see a good variety of shore birds and other species in the scrub and tall trees. A bird count will be done at approximately 10 a.m.
You must reserve by Monday, January 12 by emailing Jules at avocetra @gmail.com and indicating if you wish to be a passenger or can bring a vehicle and take others.
Lakeside Freethinkers
The Lakeside Freethinkers will hold its monthly meeting at Yves’ restaurant on Thursday, January 15, 4 p.m. The group defines a “freethinker” as a person who identifies himself or herself as an atheist, agnostic, secular humanist or skeptic. Freethinkers reject the belief in the supernatural and rely on science and reason to guide their lives.
There will be a discussion about advances in the fields of science, technology and medicine made during the past year and their effects.
A brief update by the group president will be given on the progress of the science student sponsored by the Lakeside Freethinkers organization.
To attend this meeting or get more information about the Freethinkers, 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..">.
Coffee, Chocolate & Wine
The Festival de Café, Chocolate y Vino takes place on the Ajijic Malecon Saturday and Sunday, January 17 and 18. Some new experiences at this year’s event are a ride through the town on horseback with wine, classes in chocolate making, paired with wine, and a pilates coffee party. Wine tastings paired with chocolate, charcuterie and cheeses are also available. Reserve at the festivaldelcafechocolateyvino.com.
Circus Classes
Punto Cultural Ohana is holding bilingual circus classes for children 3 to 7 years old at the Ajijic sports center, Mondays and Wednesdays, 4 to 6 p.m. beginning January 12. This healthy community play is the foundation for working on social circus disciplines such as teamwork and community living, balancing, strength, flexibility, throwing and object manipulation, recycling, circus games, exploration and scene creation. WhatsApp Mola at 998-144-2447 or Dany at 998-820-0090.
Music Bingo
Viva Mexico Restaurant, Porfirio Diaz 92 in San Juan Cosala, will begin holding Music Bingo games Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., beginning January 14. Proceeds go to fund Operation Feed, which provides essential food, vision, health support and educational assistance to needy families.