Open Circle
Daniel Medeles and the Pedro Rey Mariachi School of Ajijic will perform at the next meeting of Open Circle at the Lake Chapala Society, on Sunday, December 22, 10:30 a.m.
2024 has been a year of growth for the children of Ajijic’s Pedro Rey Mariachi School program, including participation in the most important Mariachi competitions in Jalisco (winning awards for the first time) and a performance at the prestigious Tecalitlán Mariachi Festival. The kids want to close the year performing at Open Circle as part of a grand Christmas celebration.
Medeles is a professional musician of renown and comes from a musical family. He is a supervisor for the Jalisco Mariachi Program, the director of the Escuela de Mariachi Pedro Rey, and musical director and performer for the Mariachi Real Axixic.
Xmas for kids
ANAVETS is holding a Toy Drive to benefit some 250 children of San Juan Tecomatlan. They have about 50 percent of the toys they need for the December 22 delivery. The last day to drop off gifts at Mama’s Musical Bar in San Antonio is December 19. If you need your donation of cash or toys to be picked up, contact ANAVETS service office Mark Horodecky at 332-493-6578.
Half marathon
The third edition of the Half Marathon of Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos (21 km and 8 km options) will take place Sunday, December 22, 7:30 a.m. Registration is via telephone at 331-246-7511. Runner packets (345 pesos) include a medal, number, hydration, fruit and medical services. The kits can be picked up Saturday, December 21, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Ixtlahuacán City Hall. Runners’ packets will not be given out the day of the race. Payment is via bank deposit: BBVA account 2743785726 or transfer to clabe 01234607437857263.
Club 12
AA meets every day, 10 a.m. and Al Anon meets Saturdays 10 a.m. at Club 12, Marcos Castellanos 51 in Ajijic.
Chapala Birders
Monday December 31, the Lake Chapala Birders will meet at 8 a.m. at the Sculpture in La Floresta, departing immediately for Villa Corona on Lake Atotonilco (a 60-minute drive). Expect to see various shore birds such as white-faced ibis and roseate spoonbill. Bring your own mid-morning refreshments. There will be a break for snacking at 11 a.m. The group will be back in Ajijic by about 1.30 p.m. You must reserve by email with John Keeling at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least two days ahead of time, saying if you can bring a vehicle and can take passengers, or if you would like to be a passenger.
Bridge
The Sol y Luna Hotel, at Rio Bravo 10 in Ajijic, hosts the Lake Chapala Bridge Club’s games Wednesdays at 1 p.m. All sessions are drop in and the cost is 100 pesos per session.
A brief lesson to improve your bridge game will be followed by supervised play. For more information, contact chapalabridge.com.
Chess
HuaraChess Club hosts a chess night every Thursday, 5 p.m. at Morelos 152 in Chapala. Whether you’re a grandmaster or a beginner, you are welcome.
Bring friends or make new ones over a game of chess. Information: 331-740-5419, Facebook.com/HuarchessAjijic.
Support
The Separated/Divorce Support Group meets the second and fourth Fridays of the month at 11:15 am. The group was formed to assist in the process of reclaiming oneself. The group is free, confidential and run by a professional counselor with extensive group experience. For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 376-766-4522, 331-328-5145.