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 15, 2025
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.

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.”