Open Circle
Francisco Nava and Doris Wakeman present “Villa de las Niñas, a life-changing education for indigenous girls” at Open Circle at the Lake Chapala Society on Sunday, February 15, 10:15 a.m.
What if indigenous girls had access to a world-class education? This presentation shares the story of 23 girls from Lake Chapala attending a prestigious boarding school and how it is transforming their lives, families and communities. You’ll learn how the school works, how girls apply, and how you can help. Wakeman and Nava are founding members of Poco A Poco San Pedro Itzicán A.C., which has supported indigenous families for a decade.
Democrats Abroad
• 2026 U.S. Elections start now — especially if you vote from AR, IL, NC, MS and TX. Request and return your 2026 ballot at VoteFromAbroad.org now. If you need help requesting your ballot or have any questions about voting from abroad, visit the Lake Chapala Society on Mondays, February 16 and 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Democrats Abroad Lake Chapala will hold its monthly meeting, Monday, February 16, 4 p.m. at La Bodega de Ajijic, featuring a special presentation by U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, via Zoom. He is the youngest member in the House of Representatives. Join in the discussion about the future of the Democratic Party, and how to win in 2026 and beyond. Type shorturl.at/pqkLR in your browser for additional information.
UFO Café
John Millen, an explorer of consciousness, will speak at the UFO Café Lakeside meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Lake Chapal Society. The UFO Café is a welcoming space to explore life beyond Earth, the evolving reality of extraterrestrial contact. Millen has recently published “The Beachcomber,” which traces a lifetime of inner and outer adventure.
Music Bingo
Music Bingo Lakeside is now at the Smoke House, on the highway in West Ajijic, Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Chapala Birders
• Wednesday, February 18, meet team leader Duncan Poole at 8 a.m. at the “Sculpture,” leaving immediately for a morning trip to Lake Cajititlan, with a few stops before reaching the lake. Expect to see various waterfowl, including wood storks, white-faced ibis, white pelicans and ducks. Also along the journey, you may see American kestrels, hawks, grassquits and a variety of songbirds.
Reserve no later than Monday, February 16. Email Duncan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and indicate if you wish to be a passenger or if you can bring a vehicle and can take others. The trip will be limited to 12 participants and three cars. Each passenger is expected to donate 200 pesos to their driver for travel expenses.
Film Aficionados Club
Every Thursday at 3 p.m., Marshall Krantz presents films from his extensive archive at Casa del Sol Inn, Javier Mina 7. The cost is 125 pesos, and popcorn and drinks are available. On February 19, see “October Sky” with Jake Gyllenthall starring in the true story of Homer Hickman, a coal miner’s son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry.
The screening on February 26 is “Fly Away Home,” about a grieving girl who bonds with orphaned geese and helps them learn to migrate.
Lakeside Freethinkers
The Lakeside Freethinkers holds its monthly meeting at Yves’ restaurant on Thursday, February 19, 4 p.m. The group defines a “freethinker” as a person who identifies 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.
In honor of “Love and Friendship Day” in Mexico, the theme for the February meeting will be: “Why I love embracing Atheism & Rational Thought.” The group chair will give a brief update on the progress of the science student sponsored by Lakeside Freethinkers.
Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in attending this meeting or would like more information about the organization.
Collective Wedding
Want to get married quickly? A free collective wedding will be held Saturday, February 28, from 9 to 3 p.m. at any of the Chapala Civil Registry offices. To qualify, at least one of the engaged must live in the municipality of Chapala. You must present IDs for both parties (INE, passport), proof of residence and a prenuptial clinical analysis. You will need to fill out a form.