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Sunday June 28

Heroes of Gay Liberation

Presenter: David Ellison

​As with most civil rights movements, many courageous, colorful people risked and struggled over many, many years, displaying uncommon courage and astounding perseverance. In this talk, Dave will share some of their inspiring stories. This talk will be fascinating to anyone, gay or straight, who likes to uncover suppressed history and to meet new, inspiring heroes.
Dave Ellison M.A. was an award-winning teacher, teacher trainer, education columnist and school administrator for thrity-six years. During his final five years in the classroom, he created and taught a high school college-prep certified LGBTQ studies course.

Sunday July 5

Title:  The founding moments of a nation
Presenter: Steven Nousen

It's July 5th, 1776. For the past 24 hours, rumors have swept through Philadelphia. Is it true? Has Congress just declared independence from Great Britain? No one can be certain. Meeting under strict secrecy, the members of the Second Continental Congress have revealed nothing publicly. Speculation fills the streets, but confirmed facts are scarce. In response, Benjamin Franklin has invited interested citizens to gather in the State House. A printer by trade and long a champion of an informed public, Franklin has devoted himself to sharing reliable information in uncertain times. The actions of Congress are certain to have life-altering consequences far beyond Philadelphia. You are invited to join Dr. Franklin and discover what the citizens of Philadelphia might have known exactly 250 years ago.
Steven Nousen, an award-winning teacher and lobbyist, returns to Open Circle as Benjamin Franklin to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. For most of the 21st century, Steven has helped audiences better understand the most influential American of the 18th century. He has appeared before countless audiences in venues ranging from the Library of Congress and the National Geographic Society to elementary students across the USA.

Sunday July 12

Title:  Building a Mexican-Canadian-American institution: Lakeside News
Presenter: Dr. Patrick O'Heffernan

Lakeside is often lauded for its good relationships between the Expat and Mexican communities. How did that happen?
Lakeside News may be one answer.
Lakeside News is the only bilingual newspaper in Mexico, run by a completely integrated staff of employees and volunteers.
Its birth is an example of “Mexican Magic” – getting things done without timelines, job descriptions, or money. It started when a young Latina photographer asked an old expat for his video. That led to funny moments, impossible tasks, misunderstandings, the right people magically appearing, besos, abrazos, and tequila.   Mostly, it's a story of how one Expat found magic, family, and the strength at 80 years old to correct newspaper pages at 11:30 pm.
Dr. Patrick O'Heffernan is co-founder and Editor of Lakeside News. He’s been a journalist, professor, staff to California Governor Brown, and NPO executive. He helped create the Santa Barbara Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary and Baja’s Laguna Ojo de Liebre Whale Refuge. He has an Emmy, 5 Addies, a Webby, and commendations from the Egyptian, Japanese and Chapala governments. He and his wife have been here 6 years

Sunday July 19

Title:  Unsung Songs of Legendary Mexican Women ComposersPresenter: Dr. Juanita Ulloa

Did you know "Bésame Mucho" and "What a Difference a day Made" were written by female legends in Mexico between 1934-1941? What are their stories? Their contributions are often off the radar yet SO significant. Why are there so few women composing/performing mariachi songs today? These questions will be addressed with stories and some songs by Dr. Juanita Ulloa, Operachi Singer/songwriter/Scholar/Professor of Voice. This talk/singing may be of interest to anyone who loves songs or music in general, and wants to learn more Spanish and
Dr. Juanita Ulloa is an international Operachi songstress/songwriter who inspires powerful beauty of songs from Mexico/Latin America. She was reviewed alongside Santana as a pioneering artist in a vocal niche of her own (Hispanic Magazine), champions female composers and just moved to Ajijic! Dr. Juanita has CDs of mariachi, boleros, & award winning bilingual children's songs. Her Oxford book "The Mariachi Voice" is available worldwide.

Sunday July 26

Mindful Walking and Living – A Playful Experiential TalkPresenter: Taj Baker

What if your daily walk could reset your body and lift your mood? Join Taj Baker for a lively, practical exploration of mindful walking—designed for real life, from uneven sidewalks to busy minds. Through simple, playful practices, you’ll discover how to feel more present, confident, and energized with every step. No special gear or perfect posture required—just curiosity and a willingness to move.Taj Baker is a painter/printmaker and mindfulness and creativity coach with an M.A. in Art Therapy from Naropa University. Drawing on decades of meditation practice, Taj brings warmth, humor, and real-world insight to help you feel steadier, safer, and more alive—even when life gets wobbly.