Come to our presentations at LCS Gardens

Open Circle provides a supportive environment to gather for social interaction and to improve our understanding of ourselves, our community and our world.

Upcoming

November 24

Capturing History: the Life of Walter Thornton

Ajijic has been home to several luminaries from the USA and Canada at various times in their lives. For example, Zara Alexeyewa, popularly known as ‘La Rusa’ (‘The Russian’), settled in Ajijic in the 1940s. We bring you the story of our father, Walter Thornton (popularly known as ‘The Merchant of Venus’), who made Ajijic his home in 1958, living here for over 30 years after marrying our mother. Here is a glimpse of our story, chronicled in a book:

Capturing History: The Pioneering Expat Who Lived a Second Life in Ajijic and the Iconic Image That Defined the 1929 Stock Market Crash and the Great Depression: The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton

December 1, 2024
Why Our Stories Matter -- Seen. Remembered. Valued

Alicia Knox

December 08, 2024
A Ticket to the Grand Show: Journeys Across Cultural Boundaries

Neil McKinnon

December 15, 2024
Challenges in Mexican Education, and Tisu's Casa Tatic

Matilde Cervantes

If You Missed an In-person Presentation, You Can Still Enjoy It Online

Michael Hogan "Deaf Cat in the Rain" and other stories

A sometimes humorous and sometimes poignant series of stories presented by well-known author illuminating some of the missteps and joys of living and working in Mexico from his latest book The Michael Hogan Reader.

Past Presentations

About Open Circle

For nearly 30 years, the Lake Chapala area has been honored to host Mexico’s longest-standing weekly English language lecture series. Begun in 1995 by volunteers under the title of “New Dimensions” and initially focused on various aspects of spirituality, in 2001 the program became “Open Circle” and was hosted in homes and restaurants. The Lake Chapala Society became Open Circle Ajijic’s permanent home in the early 2000’s and (since 20021) has become an official Lake Chapala Society program.

 

Mission Statement: 

“Open Circle Ajijic provides a supportive environment to gather for social interaction and to improve our understanding of ourselves, our community, and our world. Presentations span a wide range of intellectual, cultural, physical, and spiritual topics. We do not necessarily agree with the ideas and philosophies of our presenters. We encourage you to listen with an open mind and form your own opinions.”

 

Capturing History: the Life of Walter Thornton
Nancy T Navarro - November 24, 2024

Ajijic has been home to several luminaries from the USA and Canada at various times in their lives. For example, Zara Alexeyewa, popularly known as ‘La Rusa’ (‘The Russian’), settled in Ajijic in the 1940s. We bring you the story of our father, Walter Thornton (popularly known as ‘The Merchant of Venus’), who made Ajijic his home in 1958, living here for over 30 years after marrying our mother. Here is a glimpse of our story, chronicled in a book:

Capturing History: The Pioneering Expat Who Lived a Second Life in Ajijic and the Iconic Image That Defined the 1929 Stock Market Crash and the Great Depression: The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton

Nestled amidst the vibrant landscapes of Ajijic, Mexico stands the mesmerizing Tile House, a kaleidoscope of colors and architectural marvel adorned with six domes that allow the sun to weave its magic within, surrounded by five magnificent fountains that serenely spit water into the air. This charming casa holds a secret, a cache of American history concealed within boxes and documents belonging to Walter Thornton, the enigmatic “Merchant of Venus.”

Thornton, a man who lived a quiet life in Mexico with his second wife Candelaria and their brood of six children, harbored a mysterious past that remained veiled from his family for decades. His daughters, now residing in the U.S., stumbled upon a revelation in 2004 while watching the film Seabiscuit. A fleeting image of their father surfaced, linking him to the iconic 1929 photograph synonymous with the Stock Market Crash.

Intrigued by this unexpected revelation, the Thornton Sisters embarked on an emotional journey back to their childhood home in Mexico. What they uncovered within its walls rewrote the tapestry of American history. Assisted by historians, they pieced together the mosaic of Walter Thornton’s life—a pioneer who indelibly shaped the American beauty, modeling, and advertising industries from the late 1920s to 1955.

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Why Our Stories Matter
Alicia Knox - December 1, 2024
There’s power in documenting life through visual images and the written word. Interweaving photographs and stories, Alicia Knox will offer a multimedia presentation of Guatemala, the Project Somos Children’s Learning Village, and beyond. She will talk about the importance of documenting our lives and why it is key to get your stories written down and your photographs printed, particularly in this digital age. Her presentation will remind and reignite the importance of gathering and safeguarding precious stories of your precious life.
Alicia Knox is the Co-Founder of the Project Somos Learning Village Guatemala. She has over thirty years of working in the non-profit sector. Her work has included involvement in international, arts and educational organizations. Alicia has worked with children with special needs, rescued dogs, designed farm to table educational programming, recruited and managed volunteers and provided courses and training.
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A Ticket to the Grand Show: Journeys Across Cultural Boundaries
Neil McKinnon - December 8, 2024

A glimpse at the submerged cultural icebergs we may discover when we travel and a look at the richness of culture woven into the multi-hued fabric of our lives. The variety found across the globe is exciting and each culture has its own truths that have the capacity to expand and inform our own.

Neil McKinnon was raised in Saskatchewan. He served in the RCN and has been a businessman, archaeologist, university lecturer, and freelance writer. He has worked in China, Japan, Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. and holds a BSc in math and BA and MA in archaeology. He and Judy live in Mexico & Vancouver and have been married for 59 years. They have produced 2 daughters and have 2 grandchildren.

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Challenges in Mexican Public Education
Matilde Cervantes - December 15, 2024
Public education in Mexico is facing serious problems: high teacher/student ratio, frequent class suspensions, low level of commitment from families and school personnel, etc. Learn about Guadalajara’s Casa Tatic, founded in 2015 to alleviate some of these deficiencies by offering remedial education to kids from public elementary schools.
This is an inspiring story of one woman (as well as the team she recruited and trained) making a huge difference.
Matilde Cervantes (Tisu), earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Educational Management, both from ITESO (Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara), and has worked for 35 years as a psychologist, teacher and teacher-trainer.
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