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 Presentation, June 8, 2025

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More Info!
More Info!

Past Presentations

Ajijic
May 25, 2025  Michael Paul McManmon The Challenges of Aging with the Superpowers of Neurodiversity
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Open Circle
Ajijic
May 18, 2025  Addressing Marginalized Community Needs: Ojo del Agua
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Open Circle
Ajijic
May 11, 2025  Patricia Villanueva Symbols of the Mexhica Culture Aztec Calendar
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Open Circle
Ajijic
May 4, 2025  Ed Tasca-Living in a bi-cultural community
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Open Circle
Ajijic
April 27, 2025  What if You Should Die Before You Were Ever Borne?
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Open Circle
Ajijic
April 20, 2025  Changing Lives Through Theater, Peqenos Creadores
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Open Circle

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.”

 

Presenter Guidelines
Doing the Impossible: Desperation, $10 Million Dollars, and an Emmy

In 1993 I received a phone call out of the blue from an Egyptian diplomat inviting me to lunch at the World Bank with Jacques Cousteau. At lunch I was asked to do the impossible. A year later the impossible happened, including $10 million for women’s education in developing countries, a message delivered to 600 million people, and the excitement of accepting an Emmy. My motivation was supposedly altruistic, but it was actually desperation.”
Description of Patrick O’Heffernan:
Patrick is currently Co-founder and Executive Editor of Lakeside News, Jalisco’s only bilingual newspaper. He is also the author of two music columns published in the US, UK and Mexico. He earned his PhD in International Relations from MIT in 1989. His career includes international journalism, a college professor, and non-profit executive. Author of five books, he was awarded an Emmy, four Addys, national awards from the governments of Japan and Egypt, and an AP Award of Merit.

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A 60th anniversary celebration of 'The Sound of Music'

Do you remember this most beloved movie musical? Come experience this look at “The Sound of Music,” told from the point of view of The Baroness Elsa Schraeder. (She’s the fancy lady Captain Von Trapp was engaged to in the beginning of the movie). The Baroness will be portrayed in costume by local actress Catherine B Caldera, from research for her original show, “Dumped for the Nanny.” We will examine themes from the show still relevant today, such as loyalty to our “homeland.” Everyone’s invited to wear tiaras, Baroness-style. Special surprise guests!
Description of Catherine B Caldera:
Catherine was raised by a music teacher Mother, who taught her to sing along with the movie. Catherine has appeared in more than 80 theatrical productions in California and Puerto Vallarta. She has lived lakeside for more than a year. A highlight was playing The Baroness in a stage production in California, some 25 years ago.

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Summer Events at the Ajijic Cultural Center

The Ajijic Cultural Center is home to an array of engaging programs throughout the year. The Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary in August and there are multiple ways to participate and celebrate this important milestone. Come to Open Circle and learn about a host of programs, especially those tied to local children and youth development. Community artists, including Neill James Legacy Artists will be participating in the August festivities and exhibitions.

Description of Claudia Miramontes Moranchell:
Current director of the Ajijic Cultural Center, Claudia was born in Guadalajara and has a Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy with studies related to history, traditional culture, and museum education. She is responsible for promoting and disseminating the artistic, cultural, and historical legacy of Master Sculptor Miguel Miramontes Carmona, her father. She is also the creator of the “A Day in the Museum” initiative, about museums and cultural spaces as an essential and alternative resource to formal education for low-income children with low academic performance

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