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.

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.

The Courage to Be Disliked: A Punk Rock Guide to Radical Acceptance Presenter: Kenneth Cahall Ready to stop worrying about fitting in and start enjoying who you actually are? Join us for a fast-paced dive into what it really means to be an outsider—and why that might be your greatest freedom. Through raw, funny, and deeply personal stories, Kenneth will show how to flip feelings of “inferiority” into fuel for connection, creativity, and courage. We’ll explore defining boundaries (without apologizing), using humor as a weapon against hypocrisy, and putting radical acceptance into action in your everyday life. Kenneth Cahall spent over 20 years in South Korea as an educator, building a career in “edutainment”. Bringing together humor and honesty, he shares how a lifetime of being the perpetual outsider led him to a deeper sense of personal freedom, belonging, and radical acceptance.

https://senderosdemexico-jalisco.org/ Senderos (Trails) de Mexico: What We’re Building and Why it Matters Presenter: Matteo Volpi This talk may be of interest to anyone who has ever walked the trails above Ajijic and wondered who maintains them, marks them, or plans what comes next. Senderos y Caminos de México is a Jalisco-based nonprofit that has spent over a decade designing, signing, and maintaining hiking trails in partnership with local communities and ejidos. This presentation shares the current state of the trail network in the Sierra de San Juan Cosalá, the plans for its expansion, and the model behind it — one that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and long-term community stewardship over mass tourism. Attendees will gain a clearer picture of the trails in their own backyard, the challenges of keeping them open and safe, and the ways the Lakeside community can be part of what comes next. Matteo Volpi is a geographer and a member of Senderos y Caminos de México A.C., a nonprofit working since 2014 on trail design, signage, and maintenance across Jalisco. He is also the founder of Volpi Outdoor Gear, a Guadalajara-based ultralight gear workshop. His experience in the field includes sections of the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail. He holds a degree in Geography and Territorial Planning from the Universidad de Guadalajara.

Lago Alianza and Lakeside Charities: Giving that Counts Presenter: Joan Machlis-Crasemann Many of us care deeply about our community. We give money. We give time. Yet philanthropy can feel fragmented or quietly frustrating—for donors and nonprofits alike. This talk may be of interest to anyone who has ever donated to a cause, served on a board, volunteered, or wondered whether their efforts truly make a difference. Joan shares the evolving story of Lago Alianza and poses a simple but ambitious question: What would it look like if we treated nonprofits and philanthropy not as isolated acts, but as a shared ecosystem? Drawing on real experiences at Lakeside, Joan explores the pressures nonprofits face, and the questions donors quietly carry. This conversation invites reflection, practical insight, and a more connected way of strengthening the community we already care about.

Roar of the Monarch Butterflies Presenter: Bill Toone The discovery of the overwintering sites of the monarch butterfly is probably the greatest natural history discovery of the century. From Fred Urqhardt's childhood fascination with butterflies, came a remarkable journey of discovery that spanned decades and the participation of thousands of citizen scientists. 50 years later this amazing biological phenomenon is on the brink of extinction and there is a silent killer in the communities around the reserves. Learn more about the race to save the butterflies and the people who share their forest home. Bill Toone is an internationally recognized conservation biologist, author, and public speaker whose work has taken him to more than 30 countries. Best known for his pioneering role in the recovery of the California condor, Bill has now turned his attention to the overwintering sites of the monarch butterfly

Chapala Gospel: A Unique Presentation of Gospel Music Presenter:  Dr. Deborah Davis Jones  Come explore how music, history, and cultural memory shape our understanding of freedom. Through storytelling, song, and reflection, it traces the journey from oppression to liberation, drawing from key historical moments and lived experiences. The program asks timely questions: How do ideas of freedom evolve? How does music express struggle, resilience, and hope? Participants are welcomed into a thoughtful, inclusive space for reflection and dialogue beyond any specific belief system. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of music’s role in preserving stories of struggle and liberation and insight into evolving definitions of freedom across cultures and generations. Dr. Deborah Davis Jones, Ed.D., is a retired educator with over 40 years of experience in public and private education. Her expertise in curriculum development, instructional design, and leadership training supports her mission to foster growth, innovation, and lifelong learning.

The Secret of Learning a Language Presenter: Lina Doyle​ Many people may ask how it is that some people can 'pick up' a language easily, but others can struggle for years and still feel inadequate. Many books have been written on the subject, and many language programs promote different approaches, but all seem to lack a practical way to do it successfully. The secret of learning a language is careful listening and careful imitation Keeping it simple is the best way to learn to speak a language. Studying grammar, conjugating verbs, will only freeze your ability to speak. Children have no clue what the subjunctive tense is, yet use it with ease.  Speaking is a skill, in any language, never a subject. In order to be skillful at any activity, you have to have a coach and practice, practice, practice.   Lina Doyle was born in Venezuela of North American parents who retired in 1970 to Ajijic. She holds a BA in Education from the University of the Incarnate Word and was a Bilingual primary school teacher in San Antonio TX and Woodburn OR. She speaks native English, fluent Spanish and Italian. She is the Owner-Director of the Colegio de Axixic, since 2009.