This group has know limits

Oregon Coast Learning Institute gears up for fall semester

There are those who fear retirement, thinking they might face boredom. Then there are those who can’t wait to retire, knowing they will never be bored.

The Oregon Coast Learning Institute is made up of the latter type — people who desire to continue to stimulate their intellectual interests in an atmosphere of shared learning.

The institute will begin its 22nd year of weekly educational presentations at Chapel by the Sea in Lincoln City on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

The first presentation of the fall term will be by State Rep. David Gomberg, who will discuss what is going on at the state level and be available to answer questions.

The following Tuesday, Dan Howard, executive director of the Newport Symphony Orchestra, will give a talk on Beethoven.

“He gave a presentation last year and he was incredible,” said Membership Director Nancy Nila. “They were doing a Debussy concert that weekend so he presented on him and it was just fascinating. He didn’t have a note in front of him, he just had all of this in his head.”

Other topics that will be covered this term include Updates on Recycling in Oregon, Architecture, The Art of the Possible and The Women Who Wrote the War.

“This will be my fourth season,” Nila said. “I learn something every single time. Even when I see a topic that doesn't seem of interest to me, I end up walking away glad I came.”

Though the institute regularly invites outside speakers, members also present on topics of personal interest, on recent travel, or on a topic recently learned.

“I was part of a group presentation on the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote,” Nila said. “We each picked a person that was instrumental in getting that passed. I learned a lot working on my part of the presentation. It was a great experience.”

Socializing is also an important part of the sessions.

“We have coffee and goodies for our regular meet and greet before the first talk every week,” Nila said. “During the breaks we also have treats. It’s a nice time for members to be able to check in with each other.”

For many years, the sessions were held at the Salishan Coastal Lodge, and Nila said the new space is also in a lovely setting.

“The Chapel by the Sea is a beautiful space,” she said. “It’s almost all windows so pretty much all you see outside is trees.”

The institute typically meets once a week on Tuesdays starting the first week in September and lasting for 12 weeks. After the holidays, the group meets for an additional 12 weeks until late March.

Membership fees are $90 for all 24 sessions and $60 for one term only.

If you’d like to check out the institute before joining, visitors are welcome to attend a full day’s presentations for free.

The meet and greet with refreshments begins at 9 am. Each Tuesday has two topics; the first one from 9:30 to 10:50 am and the second from 11:10 am to 12:30 pm.

The Chapel by the Sea is located at 2125 SE Lee Avenue in Lincoln City.

For more information, go to ocli.us or call OCLI President Ric Neese at 541-994-4810 or Nila at 562-761-9228.